CURRENT WHIP COUNT -- DEMS DOWN BY 9 VOTES!!!

The Hill ^ | 03-16-2010 | cww

[CWW]

According to The Hill, there are currently 37 definite or leaning no votes by DEMS and 58 undecideds. The DEMS would have to win ALL undecided votes to eek out a 216-215 win. Of the 58 undecideds, however, the following 9 are leaning “no”. If any of these 9 vote no, then the bill dies.

Jason Altmire (Pa.) * (N) Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) told McClatchy he's targeting Altmire, who many view as key to passage. Altmire said on Fox News he has an "open mind." Voted no in committee and on floor, but bottom line is his yes vote is gettable.

Brian Baird (Wash.) (N) Retiring member who bucked party on Iraq war surge.

John Boccieri (Ohio) * (N) In a bad sign for the White House, Boccieri did not appear with President Barack Obama at his March 15 speech in Ohio. Boccieri, a GOP target, told Foxnews.com, "I'm not afraid to cast a tough vote..." Clyburn has publicly said he is leaning on Boccieri, whose vote could go a long way in determining whether healthcare reform will pass.

Bart Gordon (Tenn.) * (N) Retiring committee chairman. Clyburn especially wants his vote.

Suzanne Kosmas (Fla.) (N) Easily won her race in 2008; her 2010 race will be tighter.

Betsy Markey (Colo.) (N) Was a late no last time. In early March, Markey declined to be interviewed by Denver Post on her position on bill. Likely target for Democratic leaders.

Scott Murphy (N.Y.) (N) Reelection race looks good, for now. Told local media he might vote yes.

Glenn Nye (Va.) (N) In toss-up race

John Tanner (Tenn.) * (N) House deputy whip not running for reelection, but he still will need to be convinced to get to yes. Voted no in committee and on floor

[CWW]

If any of these 9 vote no, then the Healthcare bill will die based on the current numbers and thinking.

[hal ogen]

DIMs already support killing people-to-be through abortion. Now they want to “take care of” the living through death panels. In addition, they consistantly try to ruin our lives by regulating-away any enjoyment. What a party of life-hating losers.

[American Quilter]

Betsey Markey is from my state. I’ll be contacting her office today.

[johniegrad]

I pray this bill is defeated, first, for the lives of the unborn, second, for the survival of our country, third, for the health of Americans, fourth for the defeat of the monster in the White House.

I really pray this will come true because it would mean the end of this administration.

[CWW]

Correct. this is excluding the possibility of the Slaughter rule, which patently violates Art. I, sec. 2 of the Constitution.

[cbkaty]

9 democrats simply delaying the sale of their souls to the devil......

[Buckeye McFrog]

time for the Republicans to offer a Safe Haven strategy to a couple of these wavering Dems. (join our party, vote no, we will guarantee you no election opponent and all the money/support you need). May gain us a couple more RINOS but will be worth it to kill this thing.

[GUNGAGALUNGA]

They still have to vote on that rule. I would assume a no vote on bill is a no on slaughter. The slaughter is to protect their asses come november with a no roll call vote. But we know better. Dems will be toast either way. but we need to kill it now. I called my congressman staffer and said if the bill is so good why the secrecy.

[sitetest]

I think that the anti-deathbill folks will need more than one or two more. I doubt that any of the current undecideds want to be THE vote that defeats Obamacare.

However, if, out of the 58 folks still undecided, more than one or two (or three) decide to vote not, and it looks like the vote will be 218 or 219 or more against Obamacare, then perhaps all the no votes will stick, and the bill will go down to defeat.

As well, if the preliminary “no” count gets up past 220, I wouldn’t be surprised to see another handful or so come out as “no” votes, too, as there will be safety in numbers.

[johniegrad]

I can’t imagine they will bring it to the floor for a vote if they don’t have the votes to pass it. Why would they?

[gosnaps8]

These #s assume we hold the 37 democrats mentioned as leaning or solid no. Five or so are iffy. Maffei announces his intentions at 10:00 est. Expect him to say yes. If he says no it will be big news.

[stayathomemom]

Seriously, how dead is dead? How soon would it raise it’s ugly head to haunt us again?

[johniegrad]

Seriously, how dead is dead? How soon would it raise it’s ugly head to haunt us again?

First and foremost, we want it to stop.

If and when it is brought up again there may be different players involved.

How long between HiliaryCare and Obamacare? Something like 15 plus years?

[Pietro]

.......Slaughter Rule

Doesn't matter. A vote for the Slaughter Rule is a vote for HCR, there is no difference.

[cbkaty]

How soon would it raise it’s ugly head to haunt us again?

Until the very last socialist is hunted down.....

[crosshairs]

Don’t believe it. Its their nature to lie.

[kevkrom]

I think that the anti-deathbill folks will need more than one or two more. I doubt that any of the current undecideds want to be THE vote that defeats Obamacare. However, if, out of the 58 folks still undecided, more than one or two (or three) decide to vote not, and it looks like the vote will be 218 or 219 or more against Obamacare, then perhaps all the no votes will stick, and the bill will go down to defeat. As well, if the preliminary “no” count gets up past 220, I wouldn’t be surprised to see another handful or so come out as “no” votes, too, as there will be safety in numbers.

My guess is that once the bill is doomed by headcount, the number of "no" votes will suddenly increase as vulnerable rats start running for cover.

[GUNGAGALUNGA]

Right. It is just to protect those who vote yes. Typical scared liberals.

[MrChips]

Art I., sec. 2. ? What does it say?