Sen. Max Baucus, who was instrumental in passing a health care reform bill last week, is facing a merciless barrage of blogging from mainly conservative sources alleging that he appears drunk in video filmed during congressional proceedings. Since lawmakers don't blow a Breathalyzer before they take to the Senate floor, it's unclear from video whether Baucus, a Democrat from Montana, is really plastered during the recent debate over health care.

After all, there are lots of reasons someone might slur their speech besides being drunk -- being tired, feeling attacked, or taking prescription meds. We're not jumping to any conclusions, but can't deny you the chance to scrutinize the evidence yourself.

Once again, keep in mind that there are possible partisan motivations here. Some Republicans were pissed off after Baucus accused them for failing to make a "good faith" effort to tackle America's health care crisis as he touted the multi-billion dollar bill.

Awaiting comment from the senator from Montana...

UPDATE (7:22 p.m. Denver time): Baucus' office tells the Billings Gazette in Montana that the video is a "smear" and allegations that the senator is drunk are "untrue."

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