DeFazio flips from Yes to No
posted at 2:05 pm on March 19, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
Say what you will about the ObamaCare debate, but it has had at least one effect — we’ve learned the names of a lot more Congressmen than in the past. After Ohio’s John Boccieri flipped from a no to a yes this morning, Peter DeFazio of Oregon flipped the other way this afternoon, putting Nancy Pelosi another vote farther from getting 216 on Sunday:
Just when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seemed to be one vote shy of the 216 she needs for health care reform to pass, a Democrat who voted for the bill last year says he’s switching his vote to no.
The opposition from Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., dials back the number of House members leaning toward voting yes to 214, and the number leaning toward voting no to 217.
Good news? Well, maybe. DeFazio made the announcement but doesn’t exactly sound firm in his opposition. While some are criticizing either insurers or abortion, DeFazio’s opposition comes down to a commitment to Medicare in rural communities:
DeFazio, who voted for the bill last year, complicated things for Democratic leaders. But he indicated he could still change his mind again.
“I’m a no unless they fix this,” he said, referring to what he sees as insufficient Medicare spending in rural areas.
As Republican as Boccieri’s district was, that’s how Democratic DeFazio’s is. They haven’t sent a Republican to Congress since 1975. Voters supported Barack Obama in 2008 by double digits, 54/43. In DeFazio’s last election, he got over 80% of the vote.
That last part cuts both ways, of course. Nancy Pelosi probably can’t threaten him if he balks at voting for ObamaCare. It’s almost certainly too late for anyone to mount a serious primary bid against DeFazio. If he holds out for a public option, his constituents will probably cheer rather than boo.
Still, I wouldn’t count DeFazio in the No column until he casts his vote. That statement sounds more like an application to play “The Price is Right” than a principled stand against the bill.
Blowback
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I love Oregon.
Mr. Joe on March 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM
I’m with Ed and wonder how many of these koolaid drinker dems are waiting to be wined and dined.
ohiobabe on March 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM
We need to check and see how many dem Congressman have opened Swiss bank accounts. I hear they’re no longer secret.
darwin on March 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM
Thanks Pete. You are doing the right thing. You are a patriot.
Mr. Joe on March 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM
He’s just looking for a big payoff, if he’s the last vote it’s like winning the Showcase on “The Price is Right”.
NoDonkey on March 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM
That would require a lot of money and a re-scoring of the bill by the CBO. I don’t see how Nancy could cave on this now.
MarkTheGreat on March 19, 2010 at 2:09 PM
Why don’t the ‘rats just hang signs around their necks which advertise their price, make it easy on Pelosi and PBHO to figure out how many zeros need to be written on the check.
Bishop on March 19, 2010 at 2:09 PM
All posturing. DeFazio is looking to cut a sweetheart deal.
Mike Honcho on March 19, 2010 at 2:09 PM
Okay, maybe he is just haggling. But still, it is a hope.
Mr. Joe on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I have this strange feeling that we will all be surprised with the numbers of the final vote.
laurakbarr on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
I bet he’s holding out for a Massa massage.
darwin on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
I swear this has made the whole process look so disgusting.
I think Boehner is on the right track saying if he’s becomes Speaker the process will never be like this again.
gophergirl on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
He’s just publically asking for his bribe. Don’t get too excited about this. He already knows the bill destroys the primary providers to the poor in his district – that is the least of his concern.
batterup on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
They’re all democrats first after all and only do what’s good for democrats not for the country.
mozalf on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Nomentum hits a 3 pointer from the corner!!!
The croud cheers!
percysunshine on March 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
That’s actually not very much, at least for Oregon. There may even be Republicans there. Where’s his district?
jwolf on March 19, 2010 at 2:11 PM
-George Carlin
I don’t know. Seemed appropriate.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 19, 2010 at 2:11 PM
it will be interesting to see who will be #216 when they start to vote (if they get to that far),
cmsinaz on March 19, 2010 at 2:11 PM
I am getting whiplash and dizzy from all of these yes/no no/yes changes.
OmahaConservative on March 19, 2010 at 2:11 PM
She’ll get em’ in the waning hours with a slip into his pocket and a wink……………
Opposite Day on March 19, 2010 at 2:12 PM
Even if it passes, every hardcore lib who votes against it means another red or purple district dem will have to vote for it.
BuzzCrutcher on March 19, 2010 at 2:12 PM
NRO
Wethal on March 19, 2010 at 2:13 PM
IOW, DeFazio wants a bigger bribe.
This is disgusting.
rbj on March 19, 2010 at 2:13 PM
If Obama signs a bill that hasn’t legally been passed by a vote in both houses of Congress, can somebody explain to me how that is any different from an Executive Order? And why a Presidential successor couldn’t reverse it just as easily?
Beo on March 19, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Cornhusker Kickback
Louisiana Purchase
Florida Gator Aid
Is he hoping for an Oregonian One Night Stand?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 19, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Why a I reluctant to believe DeFazio? Anybody else feel the same way?
ConservativeTony on March 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Do not trust a lib from Oregon!
However the state can not afford this anymore than TN. Oregon has it’s own universal healthcare. There is no way anyone from OR should vote for this, however in this state the Dems not only rule they are far left to the point of being unable to even look right.
DeFazio may very well be looking for a buy out. I hope he is a no, I pray he is a no and have done my share of contacting my own rep who is Schrader.
Don’t count on a no out of this left uptopia.
ORconservative on March 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Well,its good to see the light before its too late!
canopfor on March 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Can’t we just deem DeFazio is a no and tell him to sleep in this weekend?
highhopes on March 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Paul Ryan:
I love this guy’s updates but they get slightly more depressing each time…
ABC may have been right this morning…the magic number may be 217 or more…NO ONE is going to be the deciding vote here
LordMaximus on March 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Question: Let’s say it passes, then the Supreme Court rules that the individual mandate is unconstitutional. Does the whole thing collapse? Back to the drawing board?
Patrick S on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Oregon Beaver Wax?
thomasaur on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
So which one of you geniuses knows how the vote is ordered? Is it a free for all? Do they do it in stages with the obvios yeses and nos first? What would happen if no one voted?
percysunshine on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
DeFazio is a blowhard, with a long track record of saying whatever it takes to get attention.
He’ll only be a “nay” if they have 216 other “ayes.”
notropis on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
He is from one of Oregon’s most liberal areas (Eugene, Roseburg, Corvallis). However, he does seem to have an “independent streak”, and I seem to recall his calling the “Stimulus” bill a lot of wasted money.
MB4 on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Seems like none of them want to be the one guy responsible for this, except a few crazies. For everybody that flips to NO, somebody flips to YES because he feels it’s a safe way to appease his party. For everybody that flips to YES, there’s somebody that flips to NO to make sure the bill doesn’t pass.
This’ll probably play out at hyperspeed on the actual day of the vote.
joe_doufu on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Dems are trying to wear you out. Look there, look here, its ovah, he flipped. Don’t buy this BS. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were planning these flips for weeks, or offering deals simply to say that they were for the bill to create ‘momentum.’ Keep calling.
El_Terrible on March 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Nancy said there will be no more changes to the bill.
Oink on March 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM
These guys are just turning the whore sign to “ON”….all these schmucks have their shopping list.
search4truth on March 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Obama is willing to devour his presidency, his party’s congressional majority and – most disturbing – our democratic institutional safeguards to enact it. He is a reckless ideologue who is willing to sacrifice the country’s stability in pursuit of a socialist utopia.
The Slaughter Solution is a poisoned chalice. By drinking from it, the Democrats would not only commit political suicide. They would guarantee that any bill signed by Mr. Obama is illegitimate, illegal and blatantly unconstitutional. It would be worse than a strategic blunder; it would be a crime – a moral crime against the American people and a direct abrogation of the Constitution and our very democracy.
It would open Mr. Obama, as well as key congressional leaders such as Mrs. Pelosi, to impeachment. The Slaughter Solution would replace the rule of law with arbitrary one-party rule. It violates the entire basis of our constitutional government – meeting the threshold of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” If it’s enacted, Republicans should campaign for the November elections not only on repealing Obamacare, but on removing Mr. Obama and his gang of leftist thugs from office.
It is time Americans drew a line in the sand. Mr. Obama crosses it at his peril.
Mark Garnett on March 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM
http://www.defazio.house.gov/
canopfor on March 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Listening to Rush talking about the reconciliation bill that “deems” the Senate bill passed and it got me to wondering…
If the Reconciliation bill fails in the Senate, it means the House bill has to die to… ergo… doesn’t that imply the “deem” rule failed as well?
Skywise on March 19, 2010 at 2:18 PM
I say throw all Democrats out of office and let God sort out the good ones from the bad ones. I mean seriously, not one Demonrat has objected to demon pass or the other tactics in play. That makes them all worthless traitors more interested in pleasing the filthy lying dictator in the White House than doing what is right for America.
highhopes on March 19, 2010 at 2:18 PM
Redstate.
Wethal on March 19, 2010 at 2:18 PM
I’d like to see Nancy start the vote thinking she had it won and then see a double-cross. If one vote switched during the voting there might be panic for the exit. That would be sweet.
Dale on March 19, 2010 at 2:18 PM
Do they have Air Force One Warmed Up On Stand By? What is the Carbon Foot Print of Health Insurance Reform Bill?
Dr Evil on March 19, 2010 at 2:19 PM
Amerians are in such disarray over what’s happening with ObamaCare, they don’t know what to believe any more. It will pass. It won’t pass. It will.
A lefty like DeFazio comes along and says “No”. How many will make the mistake and give him a pat on the back and even send him some money for his “patriotism”?
ConservativeTony on March 19, 2010 at 2:19 PM
No, the insurance exchanges, insurance company control and medicare cuts and new taxes stay.
Skywise on March 19, 2010 at 2:20 PM
They are just trying to send us over the edge.
Cindy Munford on March 19, 2010 at 2:20 PM
Actually, 28 of them voted against “demon pass.” But I agree with the “throw them all out” part. They all enabled this, simply by being “Democrat.”
notropis on March 19, 2010 at 2:20 PM
and waiting for that job on the moon with Nasa.
upinak on March 19, 2010 at 2:20 PM
Because, somehow, there is some mental block against pointing out a system in public that everyone knows about already. I’ve been scorned for saying big money controls our government multiple times…
“Garbage in, garbage out” shouldn’t be news to anyone by now…that bit about term limits needs a lot more emphasis.
Thanks for posting that. Carlin was a bitter grouch sometimes, but he did make a point of talking about the 800-lb gorillas in the room and making hamburger out of sacred cows – on both sides.
Dark-Star on March 19, 2010 at 2:21 PM
The president is supposed to sign the Senate bill before reconciliation starts. Assuming they follow the reconciliation rules….
Wethal on March 19, 2010 at 2:21 PM
I don’t think it means that at all. The house deems the Senate bill passes with a “sidecar” bill to fix some aspects of the Senate Bill. Even if the reconciliation bill fails, the original Senate Bill (complete with federal funding of abortion, the Cornhusker kickback, and all the rest) is still the law of the land.
In fact, I think there isn’t any intention that the reconciliation bill will even get to the Senate floor. They’re just using the original Senate bill as the entry point to public option and other things down the line.
highhopes on March 19, 2010 at 2:21 PM
This will not pass. Why? Because the “People” don’t want it. If you let the media and House Democrat Leadership tell you what’s inevitable and you give up, that’s on you. Giving up is telling them you don’t really care that bad. So just stop giving up and believe that this just won’t pass.
Sultry Beauty on March 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM
100,000 calls to Congress per hour.
Haysoos, I read that and my hair stood on end; there is a serious, serious situation coming if this disaster passes and it’s creeping me out.
Bishop on March 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Right now Obama is trying to figure out how to fit 216 people onto Air Force One.
DrAllecon on March 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM
don’t know the order, but like I said, it will be interesting to see if #216 is a fencesitter, flipper or outright supporter of this boondoggle
cmsinaz on March 19, 2010 at 2:23 PM
They are too out of touch with America to know or care what Americans want.
Beo on March 19, 2010 at 2:24 PM
He’s holding out for a ride in Air Force One for a tryst with Barry.
Every man has a price, and for DeFazio it’s the Mile High Club or bust.
NoDonkey on March 19, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Oregon Beaver Wax?
thomasaur on March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
thomasaur: Thats sooooooooooo old school,jazzled
something is the new rage,ahem!:)
canopfor on March 19, 2010 at 2:24 PM
DeFazio represents Eugene/Springfield. He can vote No and still get re-elected safely every time.
Christien on March 19, 2010 at 2:25 PM
You would have to think that all of these Dems cannot be that stupid. They know self-preservation. They like their jobs and the perks that come with it. Some of them have to be getting tired of the constant arm-twisting and harassment for San Fran Nan, Twinkle Toes and Teh Won. I think it would be a huge rebuke of the radical wing of the Democrat party (and a lift for the alleged moderates) if this were defeated. That would be…..wait for it…….change.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 19, 2010 at 2:25 PM
Actually he’ll get a knock on his door at about 2AM and there will be Rahm…wit a couple of da boyz frum Chicago!
pilamaye on March 19, 2010 at 2:26 PM
Exactly.
I’ve also thought of the possibility these morons flip, just to make the calls stop. Then they’ll vote yes. Well….we’re not the imbeciles you are, and think we are. We’ll hound you now til the day you leave office!
capejasmine on March 19, 2010 at 2:27 PM
CUT THE KOOL-AID OFF AT THE SOURCE!!!
canopfor on March 19, 2010 at 2:27 PM
Will Rahm poke DeFazio into a yes vote?
ConservativeTony on March 19, 2010 at 2:27 PM
“I’m a no
unless they fix thisuntil my palm gets greased,” he said, referring to what he sees as insufficientMedicare spendingwealth spreading in rural Congressional districts.BobMbx on March 19, 2010 at 2:28 PM
They’ll just sic Deb Frisch on DeFazio until he caves.
Christien on March 19, 2010 at 2:28 PM
Nah. Rahm will just summon the boys in his britches.
capejasmine on March 19, 2010 at 2:28 PM
As soon as the House “deems” the original Senate bill as passed, Obama will sign it, stabbing everybody in the back.
Emperor Norton on March 19, 2010 at 2:29 PM
Then, again, Deb might be the one forcing Pete to vote No.
Christien on March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Holy Shiznatch…Drudge is firing on all cylinders. Uprising doesn’t quite cover what is coming.
Bishop on March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Can’t we just deem DeFazio is a no and tell him to sleep in this weekend?
highhopes on March 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
highhopes:)
=========
More “I” Word
http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=19778
canopfor on March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Expect more after the doc fix memo is exposed.
ctmom on March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
upinak on March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Like most Americans, I am committed to God, to liberty, to self-reliance and to taking care of my loved ones as I see fit. No one – and I really mean NO ONE – will ever get in the way of those things. I will fight with every ounce of my being to be able to give to my son his birthright – that of being an American – and to have that mean something. I will not allow a self-absorbed, narcissistic fool hell bent on creating a totalitarian state not even in the name of compassion, but rather, in the name of himself, to destroy the rule of law, and thus the nation. Game on.
Mark Garnett on March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
And they are succeeding. Marx madness indeed.
Knucklehead on March 19, 2010 at 2:31 PM
Oh wait…this guy is from Oregon, where Walgreens just shut off new Medicare customers, followed the next day by Washington.
Maybe the planned beneficiairies of ObamaCare realize that it doesn’t matter how free something is if doesn’t exist?
No doctors….no healthcare. No pharmacies…no drugs.
BobMbx on March 19, 2010 at 2:31 PM
The longer this takes, the better. So thanks for holding out for your bribe, Mr. DeFazio!
MarkoMancuso on March 19, 2010 at 2:31 PM
CNN reporting:
CAO is BACK ON THE FENCE!!
Awesome.
LordMaximus on March 19, 2010 at 2:31 PM
“WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic lawmakers are meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House on Saturday—the eve of a crucial vote on his health care overhaul.
White House officials said Friday that the House Democratic caucus would visit 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. at 4 p.m. EDT. House lawmakers plan to vote Sunday on the sweeping health care legislation.
Democratic leaders say they will have the votes to pass the bill, despite united Republican opposition. But Obama wants to make one last push for the president’s top domestic priority that has been debated for more than a year.”
First sentence says “leaders,” second says “caucus.” Wonder if the whole group will be required to attend. Holdouts and undecideds seated in the front row in front of everyone.
Wethal on March 19, 2010 at 2:31 PM
I’m sorry, this is OT, but Noonan is a beeyotch:
John the Libertarian on March 19, 2010 at 2:32 PM
Question is, will he sign it and throw a ticker-tape parade or will he quietly sign it in the dead of night then pretend he didn’t?
“Hey, I wonder how Bush got my signature on this ObamaCare bill?”
ConservativeTony on March 19, 2010 at 2:32 PM
DeFazio is a Ducks fan. Barry’s BIL is head coach of the Beavs.
Civil War.
Christien on March 19, 2010 at 2:33 PM
SHUT UP THEY SAID! Congressman’s Office Says Constituent Calls Are ‘Harassment’
canditaylor68 on March 19, 2010 at 2:34 PM
Couple this with the impending implosion of some big states: CA, IL, and, I think, NY. This is probably going to get ugly over the next few years.
WashJeff on March 19, 2010 at 2:34 PM
The person who is Vote #216 will live in infamy. I read earlier today (maybe on NRO, not sure) that Pelosi would very much like 217 votes, because no one wants to be #216. Having that extra vote would make #216 seem like not a big deal, since there was an extra vote, so it would have passed anyway. Without have a Vote #217, the one who votes #216 will forever be associated with this disaster. At this point, no one wants to wear that crown.
joejm65 on March 19, 2010 at 2:36 PM
The final votes are just waiting to be bought. Their backroom deals won’t show up on the healthcare takeover bill, but on later bills next year when no one is paying attention. Disgusting.
clearbluesky on March 19, 2010 at 2:36 PM
She also said she’d stop at nothing to get this bill passed, even pole vaulting over the wall. She’ll bribe & threaten to get them to vote on whether they want dinner, then deem that to be a vote for the Senate bill.
rbj on March 19, 2010 at 2:37 PM
I would guess Pelosi will be #216 if they get to 215 votes without her.
WashJeff on March 19, 2010 at 2:37 PM
I got through to Jim Matheson’s Salt Lake City line (801)486-1236 He voted no in Nov. Undecided now. Thinks this thing is budget neutral.
Also, Brad Ellsworth’s Evansville office (812)465-6484
and John Barrow (706)722.4494
Tell them about the doc fix! This is not budget neutral. Doc fix makes it $1.2 trillion.
NTWR on March 19, 2010 at 2:37 PM
I repeat…
THOUSANDS of Men, Women and Children marching on Washington WITH OUR GUNS…
(no one said we’d use em’)
Just scare the poop out of em… I bet we’d get a ton of NO’s if we had these TRAITORS home addresses posted and be waiting for them at THIER HOMES, on THIER streets…
Mark Garnett on March 19, 2010 at 2:38 PM
Unbelievable. Someone needs to write the book “US Law for Dummies”. We would all be better served to brush up as best we can.
sherry on March 19, 2010 at 2:38 PM
Lets see, no one would question whether this had anything to do with a health care vote, now would they?
A brand new VA hospital for Omaha? Naaaaah. Not related at all.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/18/nebraska-scores-again-health-care-endgame/
scalleywag on March 19, 2010 at 2:39 PM
Well since these constituents money pays them….so be it. They can always quit if they’re not liking their bosses telling them what to do.
capejasmine on March 19, 2010 at 2:39 PM
Here is Pelosi warming up.
WashJeff on March 19, 2010 at 2:39 PM
That little nasty slam was necessary, wasn’t it? She is on my list, as well.
TXMomof3 on March 19, 2010 at 2:39 PM
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