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

[TxAg1981]

They want a vote before Easter recess.
How about this scenario:

The house is closed for recess without a vote.
All of the "yeas" stay behind and let the "nays" go home.
Once its clear that there are sufficient number of "nays" out of town, Pelosi calls the remaining members to the house to vote on the bill.
There are enough members there for a quorum and enough votes to pass.
Done Deal...

If that happens, I'd be shocked if Washington wasn't stormed with pitch forks and torches.

[The Shrew]

Markey, IMHO, is definitely a yes vote on HCR. I don't even see why she's on the list.

Regards,

TS

[gosnaps8]

Maffei announced he is voting yes.

[GUNGAGALUNGA]

no shock. he was a yea anyway right?

[David]

They are still using 216 as the magic number. That assumes the resignation of Congressman Deal of Georgia who is I believe running for another office in Georgia. Although he was announced to resign last week, he has not done so. I believe including him in the vote count raises the number to 217—there are 432 instead of 431 members so 216 would be only a tie.

[sitetest]

I think that the demise of Rep. Massa brought it down to 431.

[hal ogen]

Sorry...I was trying to “appeal” to any “progressives” who might read my comment.

[CharlesWayneCT]

If they are within one vote, some NO vote is going to end up dead or in the hospital. The Dems want this bill THAT badly.

[Politicalmom]

Remember the “amnesty bill that wouldn’t die”?

[nutmeg]

Is this for real? In any event, we CANNOT LET UP ON THEM!

Call Call Call!!!