Human Events predicts how all Blue Dogs will vote on health care, Childers and Taylor a likley nay

Although the Blue Dogs have previously voted in lockstep with Pelosi’s demands by 78% in the 111th Congress, we saw a break away with the Cap and Trade vote, with only 44% of them voting for it. The House needs 218 votes to pass a healthcare bill this month as Pelosi has pledged to do. With all 255 Democrats voting, in order to defeat the bill, assuming all Republicans vote against it, at least 40 Blue Dogs would have to vote “no” as well. Then again, if the public option and other liberal goodies are taken out of the bill Pelosi runs the risk of losing liberal Democrats as well.

Childers, Travis (MS-01) At the beginning of recess Childers said "he would not vote for a House health care reform bill in its current form." Childers voted against Cap and Trade and is a pro life Democrat. According to the Lexington Hereld Leader he “was accused of avoiding unruly crowds of reform opponents by doing his town hall meeting by conference call. But he has held public forums and said he reached 7,200 people on the night of Aug. 18, at least 2,000 of them for the entire hour long session.” Childers won his seat by special election in 2008. Local sources suggest to avoid trouble in 2010 Childers should deny Pelosi support on all issues. Childers will vote with Republicans.

HUMAN EVENTS has followed the 52 Blue Dogs Democrats recent comments at town hall events, examined their prior vote on the fiscally irresponsible Cap and Trade legislation, talked to district sources, and in some cases evaluated their stance on pro-life issues (since many Blue Dogs have stated they will not support any reform bill that uses taxpayer funds for abortions) to make a prediction on their upcoming vote on government run healthcare when they return to Congress.

We found that 28 Blue Dogs are likely to vote for any initiative that Pelosi brings forward, and 24 are likely vote against. Republicans will have to hope that the Administrations proposal is too moderate for at least 16 liberal members in order to defeat any healthcare reform legislation brought forward in the next month.

Taylor, Gene (MS-04) A local paper reports that Taylor said while addressing constituents that “he does not oppose the entire scope of the president’s bill, and that “it would be better if the government could just vote on sections of the bill, instead of accepting it as a whole.” Taylor voted against Cap and Trade and has a rating of 0% from NARAL Pro Choice America. Gene Taylor’s voting record shows him to be a true Blue Dog and that he will remain loyal to his constituents. Taylor could vote with Republicans.

Human Events
9/9/9