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November 6, 2009 5:50 PM

Two New Democrat Sworn Into House

Posted by Brian Montopoli
(AP)
The two Democrats who won election Tuesday – Bill Owens, who won a much-discussed upstate New York race against conservative party candidate Doug Hoffman, and former California Gov. John Garamendi – were sworn in this week.

Owens' swearing-in took place today, while Garamendi's took place on Thursday, as the New York Times reports.

The addition of the two lawmakers comes as Democrats are poised to vote on health care reform legislation, and with some moderate Democrats vowing to vote against the legislation, Speaker Nancy Pelosi can use all the Democrats she can get.

House leaders have reportedly not yet secured the 218 votes they need to pass the bill, prompting a possible delay in the vote, which had been set for Saturday.

The vote will likely be close, and the Democratic leadership is now working to secure the votes of Democrats nervous about their 2010 reelection prospects – while also accepting the reality that some have little choice but to vote against the bill.

Democrats can give up about 40 votes and still pass the legislation.

Special Report: Health Care Reform
Tags:
Health Care ,
Democrats ,
Bill Owens ,
John Garamendi ,
swearing in
Topics:
2009 Elections
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Add a Comment
by skyk-2009 November 7, 2009 7:19 AM EST
I'd like to thank the Tea Baggers for giving us a moderate voice from New York, one that will vote with the President as he goes about the enormous task of cleaning up the LAST mistake the Tea Baggers gave us.
Reply to this comment
by us_1776 November 7, 2009 5:55 PM EST
Oh my, what will the racist Tea Boogers do next? Stay tuned to the Ultra-right-wingnut Show for more wonky antics of the Tea Boogers.
by toldyouso21 November 6, 2009 9:17 PM EST
I'd like for ONCE for Democrats to vote for a bill based on their principles and convictions and not on whether it was the best or most strategic move for themselves as politicians. I loathe what Bush et al did to the country and never voted or approved of him--but one thing I did admire and that was right or wrong--republicans could stick together for their common good and when one did not march in time to what was best for their reelection, they still held firm and voted based on what they wanted to accomplish, not based on what they thought would keep their seat.

There is something very dishonest and slimey about a person who has principles so flexible or nonexistent --that they can change or bend them based on what they want. Principles should mean more than that--for people who have a bit of honor--they usually do.
Reply to this comment
by velma179 November 6, 2009 6:30 PM EST
"The vote will likely be close, and the Democratic leadership is now working to secure the votes of Democrats nervous about their 2010 reelection prospects ? while also accepting the reality that some have little choice but to vote against the bill."


**************

This statement is why we should ALL (every party or ideology affiliation) should be royally ticked off!

I don't mean about this particular legislation only, some of us want it to pass and some don't (but there will be a bill you want at some point).
This is about these members of Congress being more concerned about getting elected in the NEXT election, rather than doing the work the American citizens who already gave them their votes asked them to do in the LAST election.

It seems that a representative who was REALLY in touch with the folks in the district that sent them to Congress would already have made a stand on a piece of legislation, especially on something as well known as this health care reform bill.
And if they were making a decision on the merits of the bill using their own personal principles -- then, if they feared a backlash from folks in the district that had not voted for them last time, they would do the right thing, vote their conscience and plan on what their new career might be.


But no. The campaign dollars and the lure of power takes that one most important component out of the running -- us, the people.

"I need this money to win your vote... okay, you gave me the vote, bye now. I need money for the next vote..."

Sickening.
Reply to this comment
by stn_sage November 6, 2009 7:09 PM EST
And, THAT'S why the public has to vote their incumbent OUT if he doesn't DO what he PROMISED!

More and more people are coming to that conclusion...we'll see in 2010!

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