Nov 8, 2009

Health Reform Passes, No Thanks to Alabama

     Both of Alabama's "Blue Dog" Democrats voted against the health care reform legislation, which nonetheless won narrow approval last night. The only Alabama Congressman who doesn't generally keep his party affiliation at arm's length also voted against it, though unlike Parker Griffith, Artur Davis doesn't ask to be identified as a "Conservative Blue Dog" rather than a Democrat.
     But there he was, one of a handful of Democrats voting against the most significant piece of domestic legislation introduced by his "friend", President Barack Obama. That's despite the 19% of his constituents who are uninsured. Mr. Davis was the only member of the Congressional Black Caucus to vot against the measure last night.
     Of course, Mr. Davis is running for Governor here in Alabama. His opponent in the Democratic Primary, Ron Sparks, came out in support of the health reform legislation---including the controversial Public Option---yesterday afternoon.
     Now the measure heads to the U.S. Senate, where there will a repeat show as far as Alabama goes. Nobody doubts that both Senator Sessions and Senator Shelby will vote no. The questions is whether there wil be enough other to join them to kill the bill. Bloomburg this morning has an excellent comparison between the House and Senate versions. Sen Harry Reid's (D-NV) bill includes that "opt-out" provision, allowing states to say no-thanks to the public option.

[ALSO: Politics Daily website includes analysis of why the Democratic House members voted agianst the bill.

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