It says something that top business executives and the leader of one of the most aggressive unions are linked not by a fight but by a search for solutions to U.S. health care needs.

It takes the glaringly obvious to bring the two sides together: The country needs high-quality, affordable health care for every American. The head of the Service Employees International Union and the business folks, including the boss of a large discount retailer well known for shortchanging workers on health care, say that must happen by 2012. Business executives and SEIU also say they want better value for health care expenditure and a system that draws financing from businesses, governments and individuals.

We don't like the idea of waiting five years for the equally obvious solution: a single-payer system. But there are experts, including the Northwest-based leaders of CodeBlueNow!, who believe a national discussion must occur before any action.

The business-union coalition promises to hold a national summit by May. If the group is serious, item one should be agreement on not supporting candidates who oppose universal coverage.

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