Updating The Health Care Whip Count
The CBO score is in, and Dems expect to see a wave of new support for health care legislation. Privately, the party continues to express optimism over their chances.
So why is it that the only announcements that have come out today are bad for the party? Dems should have the momentum, especially after the glowing CBO score. Instead, the momentum feels like it's started in the other direction.
You've seen our explanations of each category (You haven't? Then click here). Now, the latest updates on the health care whip count:
-- Update: The Denver Post reports that Rep. Betsy Markey (D-CO) will announce today that she'll vote for the bill. She voted "no" the first time it came through the House.
-- Update: Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) just announced at a Capitol Hill press conference he will vote for the bill, reversing his earlier opposition.
-- Update: Retiring Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) released a statement late today saying the "status quo is no longer affordable," and announced he'd vote for the bill. He voted against the bill the first time around.
-- Rep. Mike Arcuri (D-NY) has informed Dem leaders he will switch from a "yes" to a "no,"
-- Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) has resisted WH pressure to vote for the bill. Today, he tells Politico he's switching his vote from a "yes" to a "no," even after getting a visit from a top union leader.
-- Reps. Dan Maffei (D-NY) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) are no longer undecided. They're voting for the bill. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), who had problems with the bill's abortion language, will vote yes as well.
-- And though we're skeptical, Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-LA), the only GOPer to vote in favor of health care reform in the House, is taking another look at the bill, at Pres. Obama's request.
Dem Targets: No On Reform, No On Stupak
Dem Longshots: No On Reform, Yes On Stupak
After the jump, the GOP targets and the GOP longshots.
GOP Targets: Yes On Reform, Yes On Stupak
GOP Longshots: Yes On Reform, No On Stupak
no on health care bill
lol, Ellen is so wild! I love her.
The Australian Government isn't walking the talk. I would like to see positive action forcing government, private enterprise and individuals to develop strategies to reduce green house gases, but it must start with the government leading by example