That one vote was Anh “Joseph” Cao, who said the following about this support for the bill:
I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.
Good for Rep. Cao, but one single Republican voting for health care reform does not mean that the Republican party overall was cooperative in any way. This bill will go down in history as a strictly Democratic effort — which is clearly the way the Republicans want it. That’s a serious gamble. The Republicans are taking a huge risk that Americans will not like health reform once the changes take effect. I don’t think that’s a gamble they’re going to win.
It’s easy for me to see that the Democrats are on the right side of history here. Once health care starts becoming more accessible and affordable, it will spell a long period in power for the Democrats, as voters will remember how difficult the Republicans made passage of health care reform. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be as clear to a few Democrats in the Senate, where health reform is still stuck. Hopefully, they’ll come around soon and realize that voting for health reform is one of the best things they can do, both for our country and for their careers.
Don't be fooled .Cao's vote was to support the Catholic bishops.
Rep Cao hails from New Orleans, having defeated scandal ridden former Rep. WIliam Jefferson. It is a D+25 district. I'll be surprised if he still is in office after the 2010 elections.
"One of them voted in support of health care reform."
No, one of them voted in support HR3962. Let's say there are 100 ways to reform health care. HR3962 was just one of them, and one that was decidedly further to the left than some options out there.
The house offered up a highly flawed bill, but now the ball is rolling and at least the dialogue has begun. As a Monday-morning QB, I can use that logic. However, i wouldn't expect my Congressman to use that logic to support a bill that he has so many problems with.
Any bill that passes the Senate will be a huge improvement over HR 3962. The middle and right can take solace in that.
The Republican Party has nothing to gain by supporting health care reform. They will gain seats in 2010 no matter what. Conservatives need only to fan anger and doubt to either: a) attract votes from frustrated independents and fair-weather dems, or b) keep frustrated voters away from the polls next year. Health care reform must be carried by Democrats acting in their roles as our nations elected leaders, acting for the best interests of all Americans, while overcoming the onslaught from the radical and irrational right. Any health care reform enacted will not be produce large benefits before the next election cycle (same for job creation). Democrat leaders must do what they believe is right, now - let history decide - and not cave in to destructive politics in order to retain their seat in Congress.
Yeah, that’s going to be a winning election strategy
for Republicans in 2010 & 2012:
REMEMBER US?
WE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!
— — — — — — — — — — —
Really! NOTHING at all!
C'mon over to the Democratic party, Mr. Cao. We'll welcome you with open arms. After all, we're the big tent party.
Look closely in coming months for earmarks or other favors to be bestowed upon Cao's district.
You clearly don't understand the process of earmarking.
New Orleans? It could use them.
Cao will not be around in a year if he remains a Republican. That's like a Republican getting elected from St Paul. If he doesn't switch parties- which still may happen. Bet on the tea baggers to not give a damn about strategy and to find a conservative to take Cao on.
Its the tea bagger movement that will sink the chance of any natural gains for the Republicans in 2010. I say its about time the Wing nuts are exposed for what they attract.
Everything I'm reading indicates the the GOP was cut out of any meaningful deliberations while the bill was being crafted. If you want votes, involve people in the process.
Not unlike how Bush treated the Democrats toward the end.
You're kidding? Before they sent the teap partiers after the Dems, I've never seen so much kissing up to the minority. How many times did the President meet with them? Seven? The House and Senate leadership met with them four and three times before coming out with a bill. It was clear the Republicans were only interested in moving the goal posts over and over so, the Congressional Dems gave up on them and went to work. However, Obama kept at it until Snowe was the only one left.
You forgot about the summer of 2009, revenge of the old kooks? Grassley was first republican to go back and forth. Jim DeMint made the Waterloo statement and they decided that Health Care would be where they take their stand.
The GOP were not interested in meaningful deliberations, they are interested in blocking in any success for this country. Its the only way they can regain power- by pushing for America's failure.