WHERE THINGS STAND…. So, where are we? Here are some key health-care-related developments from the afternoon:
* Rep. Chris Carney (D) of Pennsylvania, believed to be a Stupak ally, announced he will vote “yes” tomorrow. Carney also voted “yes” in November.
* In a key setback, Rep. Zach Space (D) of Ohio switched from “yes” to “no,” the first such reversal we’ve seen in a couple of days.
* Rep. Jim Matheson (D) of Utah, who voted “no” but was considered a key pick-up opportunity, announced he will vote “no.” He cited “too many special deals,” which seems like a rather callous reason to deny 32 million people health coverage.
* Rep Henry Cuellar (D), a Blue Dog from Texas, best known as the guy who didn’t want to return the White House’s phone calls, announced he will vote “yes” tomorrow, just as he did in November.
* The dispute over regional disparities appears to have been resolved, so Oregon’s Peter DeFazio is back on board, as expected.
* The Senate Democrats’ letter, outlining their support for the reconciliation budget fix, has been circulated among House Dems and posted online (pdf).
* For now, there’s been no resolution with Stupak, but House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) is reportedly circulating the draft language of an executive order on abortion funding. Whether it will satisfy everyone, anyone, or no one remains to be seen.
* I have no idea whether health care reform will pass tomorrow or not.
Did I miss anything? Consider this an open thread.
