Free Republic

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is playing hardball with her rank and file in the run-up to an historic health care vote. Instead of the typical wheeling and dealing to pick up much-needed support, Pelosi and her leadership team are warning members that the bill is final, and its language is set, so don’t come seeking major changes or handouts for your district. Asked if she was willing to change the final legislation at the request of Democratic holdouts, the speaker said, “No.” That message may sound good to voters angered by the “Cornhusker Kickback” or any other last-minute deals —...