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HELENA, Mont. (AP) U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, back in Montana on family business, intends to vote in favor of the Senate health care bill when it reaches a crucial weekend test in Washington D.C.

Baucus led a key piece of the Senate health care reform by advancing legislation out of his Senate Finance Committee earlier this fall. The Democrat, who has advocated more moderate proposals than other party leaders, has been a key figure in the debate all year.

But Baucus has been in Helena this week attending to his ailing mother. He will have to fly back to Washington D.C. on Saturday to make the key procedural vote.

Spokesman Ty Matsdorf notes that Baucus has worked as hard as anyone over the past two years on this bill. He said Friday the senator will vote for the measure "if circumstances allow him to return to Washington." (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-20-09 1629CST | save this article / add to your favorites list