Is it just me, or is there a bit of a tide coming in, here?
Yes, another quick and dirty diary - in the middle of other things, but thought I'd throw three more votes into the pot:
From the Orlando Sentinel:
WASHINGTON — After days of fence-sitting, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas of New Smyrna Beach said Friday that she would support a sweeping Democratic plan for healthcare reform that has divided the country even as it aims to bring health insurance to 95 percent of Americans.
Kosmas, one of 39 Democrats to oppose a similar bill in November, said in an exclusive interview with the Orlando Sentinel that she decided to change her mind because the latest version addressed some of her previous concerns about its effect on small businesses and the federal deficit.
"I’m going to vote for healthcare reform," she said. "I know this is not a perfect bill. But in the scheme of things, it provides the best options and the best opportunities for my constituents."
Thanks, Suzanne!
AND, per the Plum Line, another pro-life Dem, Brad Ellsworth, has flipped to Yes:
Another big get for Dems: Rep Brad Ellsworth, a former Yes vote who shared the concerns of the Stupak dozen and was intensely wooed by both sides, will vote Yes on the Senate bill, his spokesman confirms to me.
"He’s a Yes," Jonathan Kott, communications director for Ellsworth, just said by phone. "He will vote in favor of health care reform."
A press release detailing his rationale is forthcoming from his office.
This is a key get for Dems, because it could make it easier for his fellow Indiana Dem Joe Donnelly, who’s also undecided and said to be persuaded by Stupak’s concerns, to support the bill. It could also make it easier for other Stupak holdouts to come on board.
Thanks, Brad!
UPDATE: Thanks for the tip about Ellsworth, MTmofo.
UPDATE #2: Looks like Henry Cuellar is a Yes as well.
Cuellar a yes: Rep. Henry Cuellar, who was a possible Stupak bloc member, will vote yes, just as he did in November.
Thanks, Henry!
NOTE: As the confirmations of Yes's and No's are coming in at a furious pace, and as I'm so busy today, I won't be able to update this diary any further tonight. I know everyone here is on top of it, though ;-)