John Boccieri to Switch Health Care Vote to "Yes"
Democratic Rep. John Boccieri of Ohio announced today he will vote for the Democratic health care bill, in spite of any political risk.
His decision helps ease the pressure on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders who are searching for enough Democratic support to get the 216 votes needed to pass the bill.
CBS News Capitol Hill Producer Jill Jackson noted in her comprehensive list of votes to watch that the first-term Boccieri was under intense pressure in his relatively conservative district to vote against the bill. Opponents of the bill flew a plane over Canton, Ohio with a banner that read "Tell Rep. Boccieri no abortion funding." The legislator even declined an invitation to join President Obama for his recent health care rally in Ohio.
However, Boccieri also faced pressure from groups in favor of the bill, such as labor unions that ran ads in his district.
"I'm not worried about the election," Boccieri said at a press conference today. "I'm worried about doing what's right."
Boccieri is one of four Democrats to recently switch from no to yes. House Democrats need to secure support by the bill by Sunday, when it will be put up for a vote.
More Coverage of the Health Care Reform Debate:
The Hunt for Health Care Votes: Democrats to Watch
Obama: Health Care Debate is About Country's Character
Obama Deploys Personal Presidential Touch
Dem Health Care Bill Pegged at $940B Over 10 Years
Washington Unplugged: Nancy Cordes on the Final Countdown
Dueling News Conferences
Steny Hoyer: Health Care Vote Won't Cost Us in Nov.
Stupak Wants Separate Abortion Bill or He Won't Support Health Care Bill
Glenn Beck, Steve King: Health Care Bill Vote an Affront to God
CBSNews.com Special Report: Health Care
Details on the Bill:
What's in Health Care Bill? Take a Dose
Health Care Special Deals: What's Left In?
Read the Text (PDF): Complete Senate Bill | Reconciliation Measure
