Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | 10:33 p.m.
Hi, (not you?) | Member Center | Sign Out
Posted: 10:02 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010
By Jamie Dupree
After winning over a series of vote switchers on Friday, the goal for Democrats on this Saturday is to lock up the votes on health care reform to ensure victory in the House on Sunday. But there are still potholes that could cause trouble for Democratic leaders.
The main stumbling block is exactly the same one that Democratic leaders faced back in November - abortion funding restrictions.
Once again, Democrats need a few more votes. And once again, a small bloc of pro-life Democrats could hold the key.
Last night, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her top lieutenants were trying to forge a deal to bring Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and some of his backers on board, but they were running into opposition from women Democrats who have vowed not to give in on any abortion restriction deal this time.
Stupak and his backers have scheduled a news conference for 11am on Saturday at the Capitol, so we are certain to get an update at that point.
Overall though, Friday was almost a perfect day for Democratic leaders, as they won over the votes of several lawmakers who had voted no back in November on health reform plans.
Among the converts, two Democrats from Florida, Rep. Allen Boyd from the Panhandle and Rep. Suzanne Kosmas from Central Florida and the Space Coast.
Early on Friday afternoon, Kosmas told reporters just off the House floor that she had not made up her mind, that she was still "evaluating" the final health deal.
Not long after that though, Kosmas told the Orlando Sentinel that she was jumping on the health care bandwagon.
One important vote that opponents kept was that of Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA), who had also voted against the reform bill in November.
There were a few more liberal Democrats still threatening to vote no, like Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), but I will believe those when I actually see them vote 'No'.
One would expect that President Obama will be on the phone and/or meeting in person with undecided Democrats as well. This afternoon, he will cruise up to the Capitol for one more meeting with Democrats this afternoon.
We'll see what happens, as a Sunday showdown vote looms on health reform in the House.
© 2013 Cox Media Group. By using this website,
you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices
.
Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationForm *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationFormBlank *} {* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddressBlank *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordBlank *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirmBlank *} {* agreeToTerms *}We have sent you a confirmation email. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account.
We look forward to seeing you frequently. Visit us and sign in to update your profile, receive the latest news and keep up to date with mobile alerts.
Don't worry, it happens. We'll send you a link to create a new password.
{* #forgotPasswordForm *} {* forgotPassword_emailAddress *}We have sent you an email with a link to change your password.
We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.
To sign in you must verify your email address. Fill out the form below and we'll send you an email to verify.
{* #resendVerificationForm *} {* resendVerification_emailAddress *}Check your email for a link to verify your email address.


You're Almost Done!
Select a display name and password
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_displayName *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Tell us about yourself
{* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* agreeToTerms *}