"I regret that this year-long process of debating health care reform has resulted in a final product that I cannot support," he said. "The cost of inaction on health care is great, but it would be an even bigger mistake to pass a bill that could compound the problem of skyrocketing health care costs."
In a live interview on KDKA-TV News at 6 on Tuesday, Altmire said his constituents would help him make the final decision.
"I'm deciding it by doing everything I possibly can to hear what they have to say," he said "The rallies at my office, the phone calls, emails, and letters that are coming in to Washington and in the district."
What he heard from his constituents was the vast majority of them opposed this health care reform. So, is this a big win for "nomentum?" It is tough to say. Rep. Alan Boyd of Florida has declared he will vote for the bill. Boyd is facing a tough primary challenge from the left in a R+6 District. Go figure. Clearly some who were annoyed on the left decided his previous no vote merited a primary challenge as punishment. Though they couldn't have known about the importance of this vote at the time, the challenge does seem to have bought them another yes vote.
It's looking grim. Breaking news Brad Ellsworth is breaking with the Stupak coalition to vote yes. So where does this leave the Stupak coalition? Looks as though we will find out tomorrow at 11 AM.
Update: Stupak's office sent out an email saying he will hold a press conference with "other pro-life" members at 11:00a.m. to discuss the health care bill. Maybe all the pro-life Democrats cut a deal?
If they've made a deal then this is done. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: Eric Cantor claims Democrats are bluffing and details why in the link. Byron York concludes:
Who is correct? It's clear the Democrats are working around the clock to create a sense of momentum and inevitability about the vote. But the fact is, there are still enough unknowns to say the outcome is entirely in doubt.
