Anyone find it vaguely amusing that West Texas is so strongly Democratic? Anyway, The NYT’s graphical map of the vote breaks down by district how your rep voted. Joseph Cao is alone in his principles. And when you’re done with this graphic, here’s one specifically on Democrats who voted no. (The most surprising “no” vote? Dennis J. Kucinich, who argued that the bill didn’t go far enough.)source
I am absolutely confident that you guys will get this done. I am absolutely confident that when I sign this bill in the Rose Garden, each and every one of you will be able to look back and say, ‘This was my finest moment in politics.’
President Barack Obama • Speaking about the health care bill to Democrats, who he urged to do everything in their power to pass the bill. After a key hurdle was It gets voted on tonight in the House. The Senate, where they doesn’t have 60 votes, will be tougher. • source
House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer says probably. On the likely eve of the health care vote, Hoyer says they might be able to pull off the votes needed, although it will be very close and might be the result of a sleepless night or two, along with some convincing of on-the-fence members. Steny, just have Barney Frank talk to them. He’ll get them to change their minds. Either that, or he’ll call them a kitchen table. source
If the Fort Hood shooting didn’t happen, this probably would’ve been the day’s big story. A bunch of right-leaners met up at the Capitol today to stir up some )#&@ with Congress, in an effort to break the health care bill. Mark Levin is kind of a leader of the movement. Here’s a video of him speaking today. At the link is a transcript of the other person involved, Michelle Bachmann, talking on Glenn Beck. Enjoy!source
It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support.
New York Republican Dede Scozzafava • On suspending her congressional campaign. The race is something of a symbol of the deep divisions in the Republican Party at the moment. Despite being the “official” candidate, many conservatives (most notably Sarah Palin, but notably NOT Newt Gingrich) supported Conservative party candidate Doug Hoffman. • source