Why I don’t think Democrats Have Votes (at least not yet)
FoxNews is now reporting that the White House is still struggling to work out a deal with Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), as the Hill put it earlier today, “on abortion provisions.” That these negotiations would be going on at this late hour suggests the Democratic leadership does not yet have the votes they need to pass this, so must flip Stupak and some of his pro-life allies.
UPDATE: There are so many conflicting accounts of just how Stupak is voting on the web. Some websites say he’s a confirmed “No,” others, “Yes.”
UP-UPDATE: The Hill, via Instapundit, confirms my hunch: Unless a deal is struck with Stupak, Dems appear to be short on votes:
Hours before a scheduled vote on healthcare reform, Democratic leaders don’t have the votes.
The decisions of two Tennessee Democrats, Reps. John Tanner and Lincoln Davis, to vote no has put President Barack Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and her lieutenants in a major bind.
If every member votes, Democratic leaders can only afford 37 defections. According to The Hill’s whip list, there are 39 Democrats planning to vote no.
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So there’s still hope, even at this late date?
Comment by Seane-Anna — March 21, 2010 @ 2:57 pm - March 21, 2010
I hope so, Seane-Anna. And if not, it might be time to take to the streets.
Comment by Brendan In Philly — March 21, 2010 @ 3:12 pm - March 21, 2010
FDL has it tied 209 each with 0 leaning favor and 9 leaning opposed. There’s also 4 unknowns.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — March 21, 2010 @ 4:39 pm - March 21, 2010