No-mentum: Arcuri flips from yes to no on ObamaCare
posted at 1:01 pm on March 18, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
So much for momentum from the CBO report this morning. New York Democrat Michael Arcuri announced earlier today to his colleagues that he would not vote for the House reconciliation package on ObamaCare, essentially negating the flip from Dennis Kucinich yesterday:
Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY), a sophomore Dem who had a tougher-than-expected re-election bid in ’08, has told the Dem caucus he will vote against the bill. …
Arcuri’s vote will not hurt the bill’s chances in committee, where Dems hold a 9-4 advantage over GOPers. The panel’s other 8 Dems all voted for the first version of health care, and only Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) voted in favor of the Stupak amendment.
But Arcuri’s decision could make Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s goal of winning the 216 votes necessary for passage all the more difficult. Sources say Dems remain short of the votes necessary for passage, but that they have not reached their goal yet.
Arcuri becomes the first Democrat on the Rules committee to push back against the Slaughter strategy. That puts the split at 8-5. If Cardoza flips on the committee vote, it then becomes a 7-6 vote — and things may get a little dicey for Nancy Pelosi and Louise Slaughter.
More importantly, Arcuri’s flip shows that process does matter, or at least that some Democrats think it does. If the Slaughter strategy goes forward, there may be more Democrats who will blanch at voting to support it.
Blowback
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Steven Lynch from Boston “may” vote no as well.
milwife88 on March 18, 2010 at 1:03 PM
Win or lose, how did we get to this place?
A place where the Republic’s survival hinges on a literal handful of votes, where the very rule of law the nation was founded on, is a bargaining chip?
Something has gone very, very wrong.
Rebar on March 18, 2010 at 1:05 PM
According to Gabe Malor over at Ace, Arcuri was already marked as a no. So that’s old news, he’s just re-affirming that he’s not voting no.
The bigger news is that Steven Lynch, one of Pelosi’s own whips, is voting against the bill. He was a hardcore yes until today.
Further… “Other news out of Massachusetts show “yes” votes Dina Titus, Michael Capuano, and John Tierney all saying that they are now undecided. Once again, I had all three as “Definite Yes” votes for Pelosi based on their prior statements.”
Enoxo on March 18, 2010 at 1:05 PM
Is he voting no because Pelosi has the votes and she’s letting him? What;s the latest whip count?
Infidoll on March 18, 2010 at 1:05 PM
Here are several undecided Democrats we have a very good chance of flipping to”no” votes.
Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA-9) Phone: 202-225-8273
Lynch isn’t happy with the manner by which Pelosi is driving through her legislation. Mention the underhanded tactics having a negative impact on Democrats in November.
Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA-8) Phone: 202-225-5111
Capuano’s concerns about ObamaCare are more local-based. He’s afraid, at least publicly, that the legislation will harm Massachusetts’ own health care infrastructure. A simple “I oppose this health care legislation” call will do. If you’d like, mention negative impact impact on Democrats in November for underhanded tactics, again.
Rep. John Tierney (D-MA-6) Phone: 202-225-8020
Honestly, I couldn’t find what Tierney’s problem with ObamaCare is at this point. But he’s officially “on the fence”, so it’s worth telling him that you oppose the legislation and, again, these underhanded tactics will hurt Democrats in November.
Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA-7) Phone: 202-225-2836
Markey doesn’t know where he is until he’s seen the final language. Which is a weasel way of appearing undecided until as late as possible. Standard phone call (you oppose legislation, underhanded tactics will hurt Democrats, etc.)
amerpundit on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
Oops, typo, fixed it.
Enoxo on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
Just heard this bho will postpone his trip again till June. Guess this bho wanted the family along for the summer vacation!
L
letget on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
Smells like Waterloo doesnt it? : )
marktarheel on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
I thought committee seats were supposed to be allocated in proportion to each parties representation in the House. The Democrats don’t outnumber Republicans by more than 2 to 1.
MarkTheGreat on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
I think it is more than a principled stand. I think it is political Darwinism. House Dems may or may not blanch at voting for demon pass but their constituents- who they face in November- will not abide with such chicanery.
highhopes on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
He was one who I e-mailed a couple of days ago. Maybe it helped change his mind. Either way, good!
NYconservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
I called him yesterday. and my wife’s been on the phone all morning calling over 20 reps. Keeeep calling!
Weight of Glory on March 18, 2010 at 1:06 PM
Someone apparently pulled the ten of spades out of the house of cards.
Vashta.Nerada on March 18, 2010 at 1:07 PM
NRO
Wethal on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Rush just reported that Obama has postponed his trip to June.
They don’t have the votes…
“I am the monarch of the sea…” (Props to who can guess the quote)
Skywise on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
I just saw that Zero is postponing his trip overseas.
Brat4life on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
I would advise each of them steering clear of the Men’s Congressional Shower Room.
Rahm is waiting for them.
pilamaye on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
This bill makes no economic sense whatever. We have to bury ourselves in a mountain of debt for an entitlement that’s marginally beneficial to some Americans and hurtful to an overwhelming number of Americans.
It was abundantly clear from the Blair House summit that the only serious adults involved in this conversation were the members of the GOP.
Wake up, moderate Dems. Obamacare is economically unworkable.
BuckeyeSam on March 18, 2010 at 1:09 PM
With all of the coverage of the Slaughter idiocy, almost ALL of it very negative, I can’t imagine them trying it. If lawsuits were to go forward, the American people will have to start learning about the Constitution and separation of powers…….. and the Dems and the Prez absolutely do no want that spotlight. If it happens, flying things under the radar will be much more difficult.
JeffinOrlando on March 18, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Boy, oh boy, you sure got that right…
Dopenstrange on March 18, 2010 at 1:10 PM
And Gibbs states at the presser, Barry will sign the bill using the Slaughter rule and has no problem with the Constitutionality of it.
Knucklehead on March 18, 2010 at 1:10 PM
I hope 0 fails…
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:11 PM
I hope Hopey doesn`t offer him a spin on AF/1!!(sarc).
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:11 PM
I hope 0 fails…
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:11 PM
OmahaConservative: Me too:)
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:11 PM
That kind of a typo could ruin a country ;)
Electrongod on March 18, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Wilson is already marked as a “yes” vote in Gabe Malor’s whip count.
Retracting Lynch, Pelosi only has 191 votes. Taking out the other three ‘yes’ turn ‘undecided’ Pelosi only has 188 votes.
Enoxo on March 18, 2010 at 1:12 PM
H.M.S. Pinafore, Gilbert and Sullivan (easy one for me, Mr. Rockmom is a G&S actor in his spare time)
rockmom on March 18, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Thanks.
Wethal on March 18, 2010 at 1:12 PM
I stated this earlier. I agree with Brit Hume, who is not my fave pundit, by any shakes. But I thought he gave an excellent analysis of the effect of the CBO report.
Yes, it gives the Dems a rare opportunity to talk positively. That is, in part, due to the teaparty outcry about the deficit. Fair is fair.
However, the real question, which I agree with Brit, informs the polls, etc., is the question of “how?”
How do we reduce costs?
This plan attacks, literally attacks, Medicare. But there’s no specifics as to how?
I’m headed into my Medicare years. For my entire career, my retirement benefits were linked to Medicare. I have NO choice.
And I can’t figure out how this bill affects me?
Hello? Anyone doubting why I turned Independent?
AnninCA on March 18, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Well this is unexpected. I was fearing the worse after the CBO scoring, but it looks like the “no”-mentum is keeping up. Do not let up people, do not let up. And do not give in to pessimism or defeatism. Keep up the pressure and burn the lines, the e-mail boxes, and whatever other means you have to contact your reps. Don’t stop until the votes are tallied!
Shogun144 on March 18, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Raiders of the Lost Ark!
Darksean on March 18, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Raiders of the Lost Ark – Salah
NoFanofLibs on March 18, 2010 at 1:13 PM
It’s the committee version of the Fairness Doctrine.
LibTired on March 18, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Psh, I can’t worry my pretty little head about rules.
/Obama
Enoxo on March 18, 2010 at 1:14 PM
Kind of reminds me of Bush signing McCain/Feingold.
MarkTheGreat on March 18, 2010 at 1:15 PM
“Other news out of Massachusetts show “yes” votes Dina Titus, Michael Capuano, and John Tierney all saying that they are now undecided. Once again, I had all three as “Definite Yes” votes for Pelosi based on their prior statements.”
Enoxo on March 18, 2010 at 1:05 PM
I have a bad feeling this is a “what will you give me to vote yes” ploy.
Jed_Eckert on March 18, 2010 at 1:15 PM
“CHORUS. — He thought so little, they rewarded he
By making him the Ruler of the Queen’s Navee!
aquaviva on March 18, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Just got through to Lynch. Busy signals at Capuano, Tierney, and Markey. Keep calling — don’t let up.
Dopenstrange on March 18, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Raiders of the Lost Ark.
trigon on March 18, 2010 at 1:16 PM
This needs to be over.
How many people have suffered strokes over the past few days from stress and hypertension?
I’m on the verge of being apoplectic myself.
Dorvillian on March 18, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Charleton Heston in “Gray Lady Down”.
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Rush has a caller on from MN who called the congressional switchboard, and the people manning the phones are getting very testy and rude. Rush just said they are frazzled, like Ernestine/Lily Tomlin from Laugh In.
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Curd Jurgens in “The Enemy Below”?
aquaviva on March 18, 2010 at 1:19 PM
“Has anyone gotten to you yet?”
-Rahm in the shower room
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Fake news from BendOver BackWards News(BBN)
===================================================
Another Lib says No!
Team Obama in CRISIS!!
Obama`s Titanic,found on Waterloo Battlefield!
Kincinchi claims spritual awakening after AF/1 trip!
Hoyer leaks CBO before official announcement
Details are sketchy,but Barney Frank was tarred
and feathered,police are perplexed that he hasn`t
left his basement!!——————(snark).
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Gibbels just said that health scare “will pass the House on Sunday and then shortly pass the Senate and be signed by The Precedent into law”. Does this imbecile not know that the Senate bill – which has to be passed by the House, must be signed by The Precedent BEFORE the Senate can take up any of its un-Constitutional reconciliation of that law?
The coup is in full swing. We are only lucky that this junta has an average IQ of 82. Their stupidity is the only reason this nation still has a chance.
neurosculptor on March 18, 2010 at 1:21 PM
NOMENTUM!!!!!
Rocks on March 18, 2010 at 1:21 PM
“I am the monarch of the sea…” (Props to who can guess the quote)
Skywise on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Gilbert and Sullivan
“Pirates of Penzance” (sp?)
Whadda I win ???? :-)
pambi on March 18, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Rush`s Day 3,Man the phones,use FedEX if you can afford it!!
Flood the offices!
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:22 PM
The Republic’s survival? You can believe in the Mark Steyn eternal entitlement theory, I suppose, but moving from that to the END OF THE REPUBLIC is a bit much. It’s like the far lefties who believe that the evil neocon BOOSH had destroyed democracy with his evil illegal war and “unitary executive” skullduggery.
The republic, if it dies, will die by inches. It’s always dying or reviving, sometimes both at the same time. This one might qualify as a handful of inches, but the republic is as strong as the people’s commitment to it.
CK MacLeod on March 18, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Harrison Ford in “K-19: The Widow Maker”
(see the tie in to Raiders I just made? Man, I’m good)
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Maybe I was too late… LOL.
Hadda log in… LOL…. ahhhh, the memories of my stage-life !
:-)
pambi on March 18, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Charleton Heston in “Gray Lady Down”.
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Bishop: Me likey:)
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Sir Joseph in HMS Pinafore.
dalewalt on March 18, 2010 at 1:23 PM
I sent Judas Nelson telegrams before he took the Cornhusker Kickback bribe.
Do you get Rush in Canada?
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
Facebook group against the Slaughter Solution:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10150152673130338&ref=mf
dalewalt on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
Acuri doesn’t have an election coming up. His switch could be a message to those who do in November.
If he’s willing to take the back lash from his no vote….they should too, if they’re hemming, and hawing over this. Is Obama’s popularity really worth all this destruction of the country?
I’ve never seen such grade school mentality coming from adults , as I’ve seen from this. Kucinich is an example. I guarantee he wasn’t ready to be shunned, and ignored by the popular kids on the playground…so he switched his vote.
It’s just childish. GROW UP! Be adults, and do what’s best for your country, and your constituents. A lil hint….this bill is NOT what’s best for this country!!!
capejasmine on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
There’s going to be more flip-flops on Obamacare than in a dozen Wal-Marts!
Dark-Star on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
Not necessarily. Mass. voters elected Scott Brown to be the 41st vote against healthcare. Some of that feeling has to have trickled down to Congressional districts.
highhopes on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
I was thinking Raiders (I never realized it was from the HMS Pinafore)
“Bad dates”
Skywise on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
I’m glad us amish people’s commerce is apparently, not subject to the congress’ bastardization of the commerce clause.
lorien1973 on March 18, 2010 at 1:26 PM
“I am the monarch of the sea…” (Props to who can guess the quote)
Skywise on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
That’s from Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The Egyptian dude, Sallah, said it just before the monkey kicks the can from the poisoned dates.
Stephanie on March 18, 2010 at 1:28 PM
Its looking like there’s going to be a rally on Saturday. If it firms up, I’m going.
Darksean on March 18, 2010 at 1:28 PM
Lots of propoganda coming out of D.C. by the dems today. Be wary of most of it. If he can definitively say they’ll pass this in the house on Sunday, than they plan to use demon pass. There will be a backlash against that!!! BIG TIME!!!
capejasmine on March 18, 2010 at 1:28 PM
I’m glad us amish people’s
lorien1973 on March 18, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Lol! You don’t strike me as a particularly pious person…
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:29 PM
Sorry, but that’s not how it works. The Republic can be destroyed by a few, and that is what is going on right now. If health scare passes, you can kiss the US good-bye, in its present form. The Constitution will have been rendered void and certain states might decide that they prefer to leave and retain the America Creed rather than stay in what will have become the fetid corpse of the old US.
The US is not permanent and is not immune to everything. This nation can fall and it can dissolve.
neurosculptor on March 18, 2010 at 1:29 PM
Saul from Raiders of the Lost Ark after they discovered that Belloche’s headpiece was a fake.
KeepOhioRed on March 18, 2010 at 1:29 PM
The Republic is based on the rule of law.
If this passes or not, that we have an executive branch that is unapologetically contemptuous of the rule of law, means that we are teetering at the edge of dissolution.
When 38 states are passing legislation reaffirming the 10th amendment – things are pretty bad indeed.
Rebar on March 18, 2010 at 1:29 PM
According to an NRO link, Obama called up Joe Cao, the only Republican to vote for Obamacare. Obama asked Cao to “study” the Senate language on abortion. Cao said he would, but I doubt he’ll flip to yes after saying he was a no if the Catholic bishops oppose the Senate language.
Obama is trying to get GOP votes just to get to 216? Bipartisan cover?
Wethal on March 18, 2010 at 1:29 PM
I missed it. Did Obama bow to Brett Baier?
ConservativeTony on March 18, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Arcuri is up for election in the fall, as is the whole House. He may not have a serious opponent, but then Coakley thought that, too.
Wethal on March 18, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Yessir Mr. G-Man, us Amish are definitely allowed to ride Harleys, says so right in the good book, though I admit it’s hard to keep the straw hat on while cruising down the freeway.
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Baier didn’t bow to Obama (unlike Brian Williams of NBC, who did bow after an interview and tour of the WH.)
Wethal on March 18, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Cardoza only flipped because the Feds allowed water back to the farmers in his congress-created-drought-stricken district. Unemployment at 41% +. Thousands in food lines where the carrots they serve come from the ChiComs. Yes, really. It’s an effin disgrace.
He could use some calls letting him know that. Maybe mention his challenger Mike Berryhill for the upcoming elections…
NTWR on March 18, 2010 at 1:32 PM
I know that the claim to passage on Sunday was bravado. I was amazed that he was so explicit about the process, which was just totally incorrect. Gibbels was lucky that the White House press corps doesn’t know their azz from a hole in the ground, otherwise someone would have nailed him on the idea of the Senate passing changes before The Precedent would be presented something to sign.
I still feel more optimistic that this flaming POS is going down since The Precedent’s epic, and embarrasing, fail last last.
neurosculptor on March 18, 2010 at 1:32 PM
It’s a quote from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore” which opened approx. 100 years before Raiders.
aquaviva on March 18, 2010 at 1:32 PM
I’m a million times holier than thou art!
lorien1973 on March 18, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Not to mention patent evidence that the President and a significant number of Congresspersons/Senators are perfectly willing to break his oath of office, and telling us repeatedly and in advance that they intend to do just that.
Midas on March 18, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Hehehehehehehehe. I don’ care who you are, that’s funny right there.
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM
Flood the offices!
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:22 PM
———————–
I sent Judas Nelson telegrams before he took the Cornhusker Kickback bribe.
Do you get Rush in Canada?
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
OmahaConservative: Yes,AM 1400!:)
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM
This may be good news. If at this stage the Dems don’t have a clear sense where they are going to get 216 votes, why not try to get the one GOPish vote to recommit?
Fact of the matter is that if this were halfway decent legislation it would receive bipartisan support and pass without too much controversy. It is so bad that the filthy lying coward has to cancel photo-op apology tours and rely on demon pass and other tricks to feign passage.
highhopes on March 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM
Are there still telegrams? I would think a telegram would get noticed. How out of the ordinary.
petunia on March 18, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Beautiful, isn’t it? The feds *cause* a horrific problem, and then will fix it *if* you vote like they want you to?
Midas on March 18, 2010 at 1:36 PM
There’s still ‘singing telegrams’ in my area, although you can pretty much only hire them around Valentine’s Day.
Dark-Star on March 18, 2010 at 1:36 PM
Hehehehehehehehe. I don’ care who you are, that’s funny right there.
Bishop on March 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM
Bishop: You might like this:)
==============================================
B.O. The Movie – Barack Obama – Oliver Stone W Movie Parody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFRLIA6yeHc
canopfor on March 18, 2010 at 1:37 PM
I made the mistake of watching NBC local news last night… they said Obama got a huge boost on his health care plan when some nuns endorsed it and called it “Pro-life”.
Sometimes Catholics confuse me.
petunia on March 18, 2010 at 1:38 PM
How much of our tax dollars are being wasted as this thing drags on and on and on? Nothing else is getting done in Washington because these people have tunnel vision. Not that much of anything ever gets done, but still.
There needs to be a time limit on this nonsense, because if there isn’t, the Evil Triumverate will never let it go. It will continue all the way up until November. It needs what we used to call in the law firm a “drop dead date.” In other words, if Nanzi can’t gather the votes by, say, Sunday, then we’re done with this. It’s finished, it’s dead — time to move on to some other attempt at a power grab.
NoLeftTurn on March 18, 2010 at 1:38 PM
“I am the monarch of the sea…” (Props to who can guess the quote)
Skywise on March 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
That’s from Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The Egyptian dude, Sallah, said it just before the monkey kicks the can from the poisoned dates.
Stephanie on March 18, 2010 at 1:28 PM
It’s a quote from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore” which opened approx. 100 years before Raiders.
aquaviva on March 18, 2010 at 1:32 PM
lol – that makes a lot more sense!
Stephanie on March 18, 2010 at 1:38 PM
OmahaConservative on March 18, 2010 at 1:39 PM
House voting on vowing not to use Slaughter rule right now.
Weight of Glory on March 18, 2010 at 1:40 PM
I just took a glance at the page my insurer has set up so you can see how Obama’s health care “reform” will impact premiums. It’s pretty ugly, and I won’t be eligible for any of those subsidies.
It’s amazing to me that people don’t get the fact that premiums will continue to rise.
changer1701 on March 18, 2010 at 1:40 PM
10 mins. remain.
Weight of Glory on March 18, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Where? Only thing I see on C-Span is a guy rambling about wanting healthcare, and naming of a post office in California.
Enoxo on March 18, 2010 at 1:42 PM
The only way to get the attention of House Dems is with a bag of cash. They’re whores, so $2.00 ought to do it.
Attach a post-it note to each dollar bill. “Kill the bill or this will be the last bill you get.”
ConservativeTony on March 18, 2010 at 1:42 PM
By electing a freedom hating marxist, muslim Chavez wanna be. Any more questions?
jwp1964 on March 18, 2010 at 1:43 PM
I’ve got CSPAN on. Voting on “Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”.
Weight of Glory on March 18, 2010 at 1:46 PM
Sometimes?
NTWR on March 18, 2010 at 1:49 PM
Looks like all the Walgreen’s in Washington State is flipping to a “NO” vote after April 16.
Dire Straits on March 18, 2010 at 1:49 PM
Wait. I think I’m wrong. I spoke with Bohener’s office and they said the vote would be between 12:30 and 1:00, so when I turned it on and saw the phrase “Rules and Pass” I thought “Deem and Pass”. But the sidebar on CSPAN says it’s about the Post Office.
Weight of Glory on March 18, 2010 at 1:49 PM
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