The Washington Monthly

March 18, 2010

A CONSTANTLY-EVOLVING HEADCOUNT.... Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) raised more than a few eyebrows this week when he said he just couldn't support the Democratic health care reform package. He argued that restrictions on undocumented immigrants buying into health care exchanges were punitive and harsh, and Gutierrez's remarks were strong enough that CNN counted him as a "no" vote among House Dems.

But as we're likely to see more than once in the very near future, those who've voiced one position or another may end up in a different place. Today, for example, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus announced its unanimous support, which means Gutierrez, his threats notwithstanding, will also back the final package.

But Gutierrez voted for reform in November. What about moving votes from "no" to "yes"? Yesterday, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) became the first to make the switch. Today, Rep. Bart Gordon, a Blue Dog Democrat from Tennessee, became the second.

In a statement Gordon's office issued this afternoon, the center-right Dem explained:

"In November, I said I hoped the Senate and House could work out the difference and produce a bill I could support -- one that takes responsible steps to make health care more affordable for our economy and for our families and small businesses. If I and each of my 534 colleagues in Congress had been able to write our own health reform packages, we would be looking at 535 different bills today. In the end, the question I'm faced with is this: will this reform be better for Middle Tennessee than the status quo? I think it will. That's why I believe passing meaningful health care reform is essential and why I have made my decision to help ensure health care is affordable for Middle Tennesseans today and for generations to come."

While Gutierrez coming around is a welcome development, it was largely expected. Gordon's switch, however, is even more significant. The center-right Tennessean is retiring, and doesn't have to worry about re-election, but for a leading Blue Dog who voted against reform to come around not only gives the leadership a little more wiggle room, it also sends a clear signal to the rest of the caucus.

—Steve Benen 5:00 PM Permalink | Trackbacks | Comments (11)

Comments

Good news. I hope John Tanner is listening.

Posted by: Christopher on March 18, 2010 at 5:04 PM | PERMALINK

Drip... drip... drip...

Wooty-wooty woot-woot!

Posted by: koreyel on March 18, 2010 at 5:11 PM | PERMALINK

"The suspense is killing me. I hope it'll last."
— Willy Wonka [Gene Wilder version]

Posted by: chrenson on March 18, 2010 at 5:15 PM | PERMALINK

Remember, every one of these 535 otherwise unemployable layabouts is only interested in looking out for Number One. . .

Posted by: DAY on March 18, 2010 at 5:21 PM | PERMALINK

The Denver Post is reporting that Freshmen Congresswoman Betsy Markey is now switching her vote from No on the original house bill to Yes.

Posted by: Karinthy on March 18, 2010 at 5:29 PM | PERMALINK

count my rep -- stephen lynch of MA -- as a yes vote who's switched to no.

he's a union hack, so maybe the cadillac tax got him. he's also contemplating a run against scott brown. of course, you'd think it would be a nice contrast to draw if you could say "i voted for extending coverage to 30+ million" but he's a coward.

Posted by: ahoy polloi on March 18, 2010 at 5:53 PM | PERMALINK

— Willy Wonka [Gene Wilder version]

The only version.

Seriously, I don't know what possesses Johnny Depp and Tim Burton to go around molesting my childhood when they're so much better at working with new material.

We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams...

Posted by: doubtful on March 18, 2010 at 6:02 PM | PERMALINK

Steve Lynch is part of the right wing group of conservatives who call themselves Democrats in not so Democratic Massachusetts . Their idol ,a convict , Thomas Finneran the long running speaker of the house ran roughshod over every one and thing in tandem with another unsavory lout , Senate leader Billy "Yes that is Louie the 14 furniture and wallpaper in my office" Bulger . A small fire grew out of hand in The corrupt midgets office because he refused to permit mere firefighters entrance without an appointment . Yes I do exaggerate , but the stories are essentially the same .

Posted by: FRP on March 18, 2010 at 6:44 PM | PERMALINK

Instead of Willy Wonka, I keep thinking about the lyrics to theme to Mel Brooks' "The Twelve Chairs."
Hope for the best - expect the worst
Some drink champagne - Some die of thirst
No way of knowing - which way you're going
Hope for the best - expect the worst

Even with a good beginning, there's no guarantee you're winning
Even with the best of chances, fate could kick you in the pantses
Look out for the watch out for the worst!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0so0_pEcNw

Posted by: slappy magoo on March 18, 2010 at 6:51 PM | PERMALINK

seriously, i don't know what possesses johnny depp and tim burton to go around molesting my childhood when they're so much better at working with new material.

i whole-heartedly agree. depp's interpretation couldn't hold a gob-smacker to wilder. there was absolutely no need for a remake, as the original is quite subversive and still pretty damn scary (the ride down the river thru the tunnel still unsettling, if you ask me).

but i'll go see alice in wonderland.

Posted by: skippy on March 18, 2010 at 7:30 PM | PERMALINK

Jim Oberstar (D-MN) may be back on the undecided list after saying he'd vote yes a few days ago.

http://minnesotaindependent.com/56524/is-oberstar-back-to-undecided-on-health-care-reform

Posted by: gbear on March 18, 2010 at 10:22 PM | PERMALINK