Pro-life House Democrat Gang of 39 stalemates nationalized healthcare push
On June 9, 2008, RH Reality Check’s Dana Goldstein queried,”The new anti-choice Democrats: Can we work with them?”
Well, certainly not right now.
I wrote last week that a bloc of 39 pro-life Democrats voted against taxpayer funded abortions in DC. Here was the final tally (click to enlarge):
The Democrat co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, Bart Stupak, was reportedly furious at the chicanery undertaken by his leadership to pass that bill. The silver lining, as told to me, was the Democrat pro-life caucus had grown stronger and more tenacious because of it….
Yesterday at a pro-life press conference, Stupak appeared confident in his united bloc. Reported Talk Radio News Service:
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) said that he expects at least 39 House Democrats to vote against the bill if it does not explicitly exclude abortion from being funded by taxpayer dollars.”We cannot support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government defined or subsidized health care plan,” said Stupak.
After the press conference Stupak reiterated to CBS News he had “a minimum of 39.”
At that same press conference, Republican Pro-Life Caucus co-chair Joe Pitts stated he was unaware of any Republicans who planned to vote for the healthcare plan.
The numbers?
178 Republicans + 39 pro-life Democrats = 217
256 Democrats – 39 pro-life Democrats = 217
It’s thatclose.
The Weekly Standard reported yesterday between 54-69 Democrats oppose the House healthcare plan right now. The Democrat pro-life bloc is the most vital component.
Democrat pro-life congresspersons need our support. They are under tremendous pressure. A source told me House Democrat Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was seen apoplectically reeming pro-life Dems after the DC vote.
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
I’ve got to ask about the NV #’s, who are they? When people die because you’re not at work, I’d think you’d better have a fairly decent excuse for not being there. I apologize in advance if that’s the case, but I’ve always been amazed that politicians seem to have a lot more leeway with the whole going to work deal than most of us do. W/that said, I applaud the pro-life Dems for standing their ground and exhort them to continue to do what’s right for those most vulnerable populations.
These Democrat pro-life congresspersons need our support AND our prayers.
If any of them are reading this blog…Thank You for standing up for life.
Good point, klynn73.
Five no votes (NV’s) doesn’t make sense. Can’t they phone in their vote?
RSD,
AMEN!
From the RH article:
“Given widespread anger with the Bush administration and its conservative policies, maybe Childers and Cazayoux could have moderated their abortion positions and still cruised to victory.”
Translation:
“These candidates shouldn’t have been put up. We should’ve chose people who were actually pro-choice, had them downplay that or lie about it. Dems still would’ve won, AND we’d have no restrictions on the legal killing of the pre-born.”
I like how these people see absolutely nothing wrong with lying to get what they want. But what can you expect from people who think there should be no restrictions on killing their own young? People like this are the problem with not only the political process, but society as a whole. Disgusting people, really.
klynn73, 2:53p: Good observation. There was considerable ire against the missing GOP congresspersons. I was told some of the reasons they didn’t attend and recall these 2: a funeral and a sick wife.
If the pro-life Dems keep this up this is one person that may become a believer. Up until now it was uncertain just how strong their pro-life convictions were.
That’s my question, too. Who are the 4 Republican No Votes?
Possibly the most important, widest ranging, most impactful bill since I’ve been born – and they can’t be bothered to have an opinion?