Update: Another Democratic House Member May Switch from Yes-to-No

Because the new Obama plan is... too conservative?

Shyeah, right.

An influential House progressive says he’s less likely to vote for the final healthcare reform bill now that the White House has incorporated Republican ideas — which could indicate a serious problem is brewing among liberals as Democratic leaders try to figure out a way to finish work on the legislation.

“As I weigh it, I think — for me — a ‘no’ vote is something that I continue to lean toward,” Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., the co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told Salon in a brief interview off the House floor Wednesday. “Especially the last additions — that was kind of a slap in the face for all of us who fought for the public option.”…

More: As I just updated the post on Eric Massa, Massa was actually a "No" vote on ObamaCare -- a committed liberal, he was determined that we should have single-payer or nothing else. Although one would guess he'll now vote for the measure -- he'll need to keep tight with Democrats if he wants lobbying jobs or bureaucratic appointments -- Grijalva guesses that Massa will keep his vote a "No." I guess... maybe to keep tight with liberal activist groups who want to keep the true-believer flame alive?

Allah hopes Grijalva and Acuri will encourage more Democrats to vote no:

The beauty of Arcuri and Grijalva speaking up, of course, is that it’ll encourage other fencesitters to commit to voting no. The less likely it seems that this thing will pass, the less undecideds have to worry about their vote being the difference and the easier it becomes to abandon ship. Here’s to an imminent dam burst.

Even the retiring Brian Baird -- almost counted as a gimme no-to-yes vote, because he's retiring and can afford to stick his thumb in the eye of his constituents -- isn't on board quite yet:

In a brief interview with Salon Tuesday night, Baird didn’t sound particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of switching his vote. “I get all these people advocating, calls and letters, saying vote one way or the other,” he said. “I don’t know how they know what’s going to be in it — because I sure don’t.”…

Click the link for McConnell's rebuttal to Obama's dishonest speech -- this isn't a conflict between Republicans and Democrats, he notes, but between Democrats and America.

Remember, Nancy Pelosi needs around 10-12 hardcore progressives to switch their votes -- and thusfar, she's not getting them.

Stupak Reiterates: He says again that 12 former yes votes are now "no" without the Stupak abortion language, via Phillip Klein.

More: Enoxo stresses Grivalja is a strong progressive vote and something of a leader in that caucus, so this is probably more than one vote we're looking at here.

posted by Ace at 05:06 PM

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