The essential Progressive belief that Klein expresses in undiluted form is that crafting public policy through legislation is a topic for which, in simplified terms, the benefits of expertise outweigh the benefits of popular contention.

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"Medicare is the most popular health plan out there and the idea that it might be expanded is intriguing, " said John Rother, director of legislation and public policy for AARP, the seniors' lobby.

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He objected that Mr Chen is aiming to bring in legislation that would allow public policy to be decided in many cases by referendum.

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The House of Lords is therefore a revising chamber, and peers - many of whom are experts in a particular field of public policy, such as economics or health - regularly ask the government to re-think important legislation.

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Public Policy: The OTA interfaces with industry, business, consumer groups and government to develop self-regulation, legislation, and best practices.

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