House vote: Vulnerable Dems

Posted: Monday, November 09, 2009 10:11 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress, Democrats

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
As we mentioned in First Thoughts: A First Read analysis of Saturday’s House healthcare vote finds that about 60 of the Democrats who voted for health care are either in vulnerable or potentially vulnerable districts, including 18 who represent districts that went for McCain. Another 10 are in districts where Obama got less than 55% and so did the member; six are from districts where Obama got more than 55%, but the member got less than 55%; 14 are in districts which Obama won by less than 55%, but the member won by more than 55%; and at least another 12 are in districts where both they and Obama got more than 55%, but either have been competitive in the past or could be competitive.

Here's the ful list. (If we've missed any, or there are any you think should be added -- or taken away -- let us know):

McCain-won districts (18):
Berry (AR-1): McCain 59-38 (Berry unopposed)
Carney (PA-10): McCain 54-45 (Carney 56-44)
Dahlkemper (PA-3): McCain 49-49 (Dahlkemper 51-49)
Ellsworth (IN-8): McCain 51-48 (Ellsworth 65-35)
Giffords (AZ-8): McCain 52-46 (Giffords 55-43)
Hill (IN-9): McCain 50-48 (Hill 58-38)
Kirkpatrick (AZ-1): McCain 54-44 (Kirkpatrick 56-39 freshman)
Snyder (AR-2): McCain 54-45 (Snyder 77 no cand)
Mitchell (AZ-5): McCain 52-47 (Mitchell 53-45)
Salazar (CO-3): McCain 50-48 (Salazar 62-38)
Pomeroy (ND-AL): McCain 53-45 (Pomeroy 62-38)
Wilson (OH-6): McCain 50-48 (Wilson 62-33)
Space (OH-18): McCain 53-45 (Space 60-40)
Murtha (PA-12): McCain 49-49 (Murtha 58-42)
Spratt (SC-5): McCain 53-46 (Spratt 62-37)
Mollohan (WV-1): McCain 57-42 (Mollohan 99 unopposed)
Rahall (WV-3): McCain 56-42 (Rahall 67-33)
Perriello (VA-5): McCain 51-48 (Perriello 50-49.9)

Obama-won districts -55%/Rep -55 08 (10):
Arcuri (NY-24): Obama 50-48 (08: Arcuri 52-28)
Driehaus (OH-1): Obama 55-44 (Driehaus 52-47 freshman)
Grayson (FL-8): Obama 52-47 (Grayson 52-48)
Kagen (WI-8): Obama 53-45 (Kagen 54-46)
Kilroy (OH-15): Obama 54-45 (Kilroy 46-45)
Klein (FL-20): Obama 52-48 (Klein 55-45)
Moore (KS-3): Obama 51-48 (Moore 56-40)
Schauer (MI-7): Obama 52-46 (Schauer 49-47 freshman)
Shea-Porter (NH-1): Obama 53-46 (Shea-Porter 52-46)
Titus (NV-1): Obama 55-43 (Titus 47-42)

Obama won -55, Rep +55 (14):
Bishop (GA-2): Obama 54-45 (Bishop 69-31)
Bishop (NY-1): Obama 51-48 (Bishop 58-42)
Boswell (IA-3): Obama 53-45 (Boswell 56-42)
DeFazio: Obama 54-43 (DeFazio unopposed 82)
Delahunt (MA-10): Obama 55-43 (Delahunt 99 unopposed)
Donnelly (IN-2): Obama 54-45 (Donnelly 67-30, fmr Chocola/Club for Growth)
Etheridge (NC-2): Obama 52-48 (Etheridge 67-31)
Foster (IL-4): Obama 55-44 (Foster 58-42)
Hall (NY-19): Obama 51-48 (Hall 59-41)
Halvorson (IL-11): Obama 53-45 (Halvorson 58-34)
Higgins (NY-27) Obama 54-44 (Higgins 74-23)
McNerney (CA-11): Obama 54-44 (McNerney 55-45)
Stupak (MI-1): Obama 50-48 (Stupak 65-33)
Walz (MN-1): Obama 51-47 (Walz 63-33)

Obama +55, Rep -55 (6):
Connolly (VA-11): Obama 57-42 (Connolly 55-43)
Himes (CT-4) Obama 60-40 (Himes 51-48 freshman)
Kanjorski (PA-11): Obama 57-42 (Kanjorski 52-48)
Maffei (NY-25): Obama 56-43 (Maffei 55-42)
Peters (MI-5): Obama 56-43 (Peters 52-43 freshman)
Pingree (ME): Obama 61-38 (Pingree 55-45)

Other potentially competitive (12):
Bean (IL-8) Obama 56-43 (08: Bean 60-39, 06: 51-44, 04: 52-48)
Braley (IA-1): Obama 58-41 (Braley 65-35)
Cooper (TN-5): Obama 56-43 (Cooper 66-31)
Costello (IL-12): Obama 56-43 (Costello 71-25)
Cuellar (TX-28): Obama 56-44 (Cuellar 69-29)
Grijalva (AZ-7): Obama 57-42 (Grijalva 63-33)
Hare (IL-17): Obama 56-42 (Hare 100% unopposed)
Heinrich (NM-1): Obama 60-39 (Heinrich 56-44 freshman)
Hodes (NH-2): Obama 56-43 (Hodes 56-41 running for gov)
Luján (NM-3): Obama 61-38 (Lujan 57-30 freshman)
Sestak (PA-7): Obama 56-43 (Sestak 60-40)
Yarmuth (KY-3): Obama 56-43 (Yarmuth 59-41)

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Comments

Going forward House members need to now focus on Cap and Trade, Senate members need to push through the HRC with any kind of public option. The type of public option doesn't matter because we can amend it and attached it to military spending or any other capitalist pocket liner. The important thing is to keep the juggernaut of the greater good moving.

Judas Goat (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:23 AM)

These analyses are so narrowly scoped as to make no sense. The focus should be on how many people in these traditionally "Red" districts are without healthcare or are unemployed. Wouldn't that be a more fair and accurate litmus test? Oh, right, we aren't going for THAT message. Just the potential poutrage and conflict.

I'd like to see how many of the jack@sses that voted FOR the Stupak amendment and still didn't vote YES on the bill,...that's the rub. These hypocrits sit there and whine that no one will listen and they get a gold nugget and still obstruct. My 3rd grader behaves better more consistently than this band of merry idiots.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:27 AM)

You missed Glenn Nye. Obama narrowly won his district in VA with 50.5% of the vote. And Bob McDonnell just won it last week by somewhere in the vicinity of 24 points.

Erin, Chesapeake VA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:31 AM)

The constitution gives a tie breaking vote in the senate to the VP...this clearly means the constitution requires only simple majority votes to take place in the Senate...thus, the filibuster rule is unconstitutional! This is even more dire considering how just one senator, like LIEberman, can stop any vote on HCR in the Senate.

Pat Huntington NY...Reagan...WORST PRESIDENT EVER!!! (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:37 AM)

Clara, I have to agree with you. My guess is that, by the time this bill actually goes into practice in 2013, these same folks that complain about a government takeover of their health care will be griping that it's not happening fast enough.

ujw, ny (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:42 AM)

Apparently , for the Democrats, failure is an option.

Gene Kranz, Houston Texas (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:42 AM)

Judas Goat - "Going forward House members need to now focus on Cap and Trade"
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Didn't the House pass Cap and Trade on June 26, 2009 by a vote of 219 - 212?

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:45 AM)

From an earlier post...

-----------------------------------------------

Why is it that Obie did not attend the shin-dig in Germany?? He can't stand for anything that symbolizes the defeat of government control. He wants the opposite - - he wants to control every aspect of your life.
Keep the Change (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:37 AM)

-----------------------------------------------

So, instead he should attend so you can kvetch about him taking "another vacation"?

Sofa King Wee Todd Did (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:45 AM)

Like myself and my partner who took in a foster 10 y/o boy and now he's a successful 18 y/o in college. So put out for the good of children instead of lip service by claiming to be so pro-life

Juan, Ft Lauderdale, (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:07 AM)
______________

Well done Juan! I want to give you a BIG SHOUT OUT (even though there are some around here that think that’s ‘ghetto speak’) for Talking the talk AND Walking the Walk!

You sir are to be commended!
____________________

Thanks NewDay! I'm feeling the same way about turncoat Kirk here in IL! Even though he's a Republicant and I'm a leftie I am going to do EVERYTHING I can to make sure he goes down in flames!

Ps: Already saws on my way into the office this morning for Dan Seals who Kirk narrowly defeated in 08!

Not this TIME!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:45 AM)

Didn't think it was possbile, but now it is probable that the Democrats will lose the House next year. They'll just have a slight 1 or 2 vote advantage in the Senate too.

See what happens America? See what happens when you get caught up in a "Historic vote" for a man and a party that slightly left of Mao?

Andy Reed, IChicago Il (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:46 AM)

That's a lot of names. It's amazing how angry the country is with our so called representitives, and that's why so many Democratic reps are in trouble for next year.

Pattie Tees, Oregon (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:48 AM)

I have to disagree with your placing 2 of AR's reps on the list. While I've not seen any polling numbers, I'd have to argue that both Snyder and Berry (along with Ross, who's not on your list) are safe for re-election. Snyder's district is essentially Little Rock, probably the most liberal of the entire state - which isn't saying much, but it still counts. Berry's is probably one of the poorest in the country.

The only way I see Ross losing his seat is when he runs for governor in 2014 - which my money has him doing.

adam, Denver, CO (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:50 AM)

First Read, my bad on Nye-I should have read the whole piece first!

Erin, Chesapeake VA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:58 AM)

If I have to hear one MORE time the MSM spewing that the COST is over 1 trillion dollars WITHOUT them also pointing out it is deficit neutral I’m going to puke!

Better get your barf bag out, Redhead. This plan is deficit neutral for 10 years and then costs explode. The Democrats are counting on Americans being ignorant to their gimmickry.
Gayle, Alexandria VA

================

Plans are usually presented in best case, worst case, and probable case scenarios. The House has presented a best case scenario for the cost of HCR. All the Medicare fraud needs to be taken out of the system - but that hasn't happened in 40 years, so one doubts that it will now. All the tax revenue needs to be realized, but by hitting employers with higher taxes and regulations, this too is in doubt. Unemployment needs to drop to 5% or less so there are enough tax payers to pay for the program, but that's doubtful too because the House version of HCR will hurt businesses, not help it, and et not mention the future doom of Social Security that needs to be paid for too. And all the Medicare cuts need to happen. Seeing Washington hasn't ever cut a program, especailly to that magnitude, one doubts that it will be cut now.

So probable case of HCR? $2 trillion over ten years. Maybe more in the $2.5 - $3 trillion range. Worst case. $5 trillion or more.

Brian C., Iowa (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:58 AM)

Just slightly off the topic.

Representatives are voted to congress to pass laws that are, in their judgement, in the best interest of their constituents and the country. Not in the best interest of their party or lobbyists or their fund raisers.

Over 45,000 Americans died last year because they could not afford health care. The people listed above voted to end this American tragedy at he risk of their re-election bids . Only one Republican voted his conscience. It's no surprise the remainder did not. They have no interest in helping those that cannot help themselves.

Rather than congratulating them for their courage, we prepare lists and say they are vunerable. Is there any wonder that ordinary folks are sick of what goes on in Washington?

Ira from Freehold (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 10:59 AM)

They will be vulnerable if they DON'T LISTEN to their districts. Even in conservative districts, people WANT the public option. Why is the media not presenting this fact? The people who vote against a public option, or worse campaign against it, may be in the most future trouble with their own voters. Check out this article from Nate Silver and decide for yourselves.

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/09/analysis-public-option-is-likely.html

The media is doing a horrible job reporting that Americans WANT A PUBLIC OPTION in poll after poll. You even have the gall to call the public option "controversial." Well, it is with insurance companies and those Congress rep's taking money from them, but you are refusing to report the TRUTH about the popularity of the public option and one has to wonder if you get pay-backs from insurance companies, too.

Izzy Buffalo, NY (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:06 AM)

Nice analysis First Read! Good work.

What this shows is that the Democrats are voting against the interest of the people they represent. You don't see any Republicans incumbents that are vulnerable next year, save for Cao, but he'll lose out in the primaries.

America is angy. More angry then they were with Bush. It that will come out at next years elections.

Paul S., Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:11 AM)

Headline on another blog: 4 Minutes of Chaos...

Turns out it was the shootings at Ft. Hood. I initially thought they were talking about the vote in the House late Saturday night.

Quinn B., Indiana (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:12 AM)

Sarah Palin didn't allow press at her speech Friday at a Wisconsin Right to Life fundraising banquet, and attendees were barred from bringing cell phones, cameras, laptops, or recording devices of any kind. But a few reporters in to hear the former Alaska governor again raise the specter of death panels and claim an anti-Christian conspiracy in the redesign of U.S. coins.

....we need to end this insanity and get on with the business of the people and adddress and fix the REAL life and death problems facing Americans.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/09/sarah-palin-suggests-coin_n_350556.html&cp

Ira from Freehold (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:13 AM)

Obama reminded all of the Representitives again why they went into politics. To steal from the people that work and give it to the people that don't work, and to skim off their 10% "Service fee".

Jean Rhyner, Maryland (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:14 AM)

Now that the bill is passed, has anyone bothered to figure out what's in it?

Bill Reader (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:21 AM)

Hey pundits and political reporters: The results in the VA and NJ governor races prove that voters make their decisions as to state elections based on their state issues and the results of the two congressional elections prove that voters make their decisions as to their representation in congress based on federal issues.

Listen, I’m just a secretary, how come I get that and none of you do, or if you do, why the unwillingness to discuss it to death, dissect and analyze it like you are with the two governor race results?

WHY ARE YOU IGNORING THIS FACT?

The voters in the two conservative republican districts last Tuesday sent a clear message to the house and senate lawmakers by electing democrats that supported THIS BILL and made that support a main theme in their campaigns.

If “most” Americans opposed this legislation, those two conservative republican districts would have elected republicans. They did not. One elected a democrat for the first time in over 100 years.

In the two elections that were about federal issues and the democratic agenda, not state issues, democrats were elected.

You would think those two losses last week in the conservative congressional districts would have some impact and be discussed, dissected and analyzed but it does not appear anyone of you pundits or reporters is willing to talk about or report on it.

You are going on and on about the governor’s races that mean nothing in terms of federal legislation and the will of the voters on federal legislation, especially health care insurance reform.

I repeat: If “most” Americans were against the bill, those conservative republican districts would have elected republicans. Its pretty simple.

Has anyone else noticed how the ultra conservatives are becoming unglued in their opposition to health care insurance reform. The bill they finally introduced that helps no one but private insurance companies and costs more, the, er, rally, they held Thursday lead by the kook Bachmann where they said health care insurance reform is the biggest threat to freedom in the history of the nation, a representative could not recite the Pledge of Allegiance without an error, the house minority leader does not know the difference between the Declaration of independence and the Constitution, not to mention the signage was beyond despicable and the lawmakers standing around in support of the signage shameful. Did anyone see Bachmann in her lei on the congressional floor during the debate Saturday night? What was that about? Is she a bigger kook than we thought?

Look, I realize they know this legislation will be so popular and help so many middle and lower class Americans it will leave them wandering in the minority wilderness for decades, but wouldn't it be more prudent to try and at least appear to have some integrity to salvage what you can of your credibility?

And Joseph Cao. Finally a republican that bases his votes on conscience and the needs of his constituents. A republican to be proud of.

GS, PA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:22 AM)

oooooh! so scared about backlash to Muslims......the Fort Hood tragedy wouldn't have ahppened in the first place if people weren't so scared of calling the crazy muslim a crazy muslim. Political correctness has gone too far. PC is thought control. If the crazy muslims don't like it, they can go back to their crazy countries.
PC is Thought Control
==================
This is the crap that is ridiculous. For every White, male that has created violent choas with murder, rape, terrorism and the like, the backlash has never been to destroy each and every White male. This is your logic! What is the barometer for a "crazy" Muslim? Is it the same for those who read the Word of God and then shoot doctors?

You know, you're correct, PC is thought control, because it has somehow made you think that what you say has some merit. Idiot!

Allen - Omaha, NE (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:25 AM)

I think what is more important is whether the residents of those districts supported or opposed the legislation. Just a color map of previous elections doesn't mean much.

distance driver, Illinois (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:28 AM)

Socialized health care will work as well as the socialized banks, socialized insurance companies, socialized car makers, and socialized distribution of h1n1 vaccine. And the Post Office.
HT - Boston

Duh! And just what do you think the "Federal Reserve" is? or the police or the military or your community college, public school/university or medicare/social security. I know let's have the government get in bed with the privately held banks and corporations. Methinks that would be "National Socialism." Make that Nazis! Now that's the ticket!!!!

TorpedoYou (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:31 AM)

The media coverage of the healthcare bills focuses on partisan politics. WHat will happen when the general population statrs to realize the passage of a bill means they never have to worry about their adult children getting hurt or sick and not being covered, they don't have to worry about going bankrupt due to catastrophic medical bills,etc? What will happen when the general public gets to hear the simple fact this bill would REDUCE the FEDERAL DEFICIT? Wonder when the "news" will get out?

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:42 AM)

Sometimes -- First Read, you actually do what you were elected to do, and not worry about the Elections. I would rather be out of a job than go along with something I don't believe in, because I might get voted out of my job.

Barbara - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:48 AM)

With this vote, the republicans are all but guaranteed to surpass their gains in 1994. I get that they are competitors of this site, but did anyone else see the CNN poll on the health care bill? 59% of those polled OPPOSED the bills put forth by the Senate AND the House.

Everybody wants dessert, but nobody wants the stewed prunes.

Let me tell you what is really wrong with this legislation:

this is the story of a baby-loved,wanted,and cherished. Before she was born, her parents learned that there was something wrong with her kidneys. A decision was made change the hospital where she would be born, so that she would enter the world in the country's best childrens' hospital. A team of doctors was chosen: pediatricians who deal with high risk infants, the best pediatric urologist available, an infant psychologist, to help the parents and grandparents comfort her through the invasive tests she had to endure.

These choices were possible because there were no bureaucrats standing between her parents and the doctors she so desperately needs. In fact, there are those, in this very government, who believe that we are wasting resources by doing everything we can to keep her alive and in the best health we can acheive for her. His name is Dr.Ezekiel Emmanuel, and he believes that infants are a drain on the medical community-they don't contribute to society, and therefore are not entitled to care that should go to those who do contribute.

We almost lost her in the first week after she was born. Now, she is gaining and growing-although she will need major surgery in two months. (That is the optimal date-if she gets sick, it will have to be sooner.)

What happens to parents with sick babies after this legislation goes into effect? Will they have the freedom to save their children's lives? Or will bureacracy stand between them and the lifesaving procedures necessary, because the waiting list for tests and procedures is too long?

It may be pleasant to believe that nothing will change for the worse, but look at the swine flu vaccine distribution. It isn't exactly going well, is it?

As i pray for my grandaughter, I also pray for other families with sick babies.

And that this legislation dies in the Senate.

no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:49 AM)

Yarmouth can get off the list. If was competitive in the past because of a fluke. Louisville, KY is now lean safe dem.

I would also believe that Cooper (TN)'s vote makes him safer. His safe is relatively safe, and his blue dog alliance is out of tune with his (liberal by southern standards) district.

Chuck In Seattle (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:53 AM)

"there were so many easier, incremental things that could have been done." ~ lily (another thread)

I'm sure there were, Lily, so, go on and tell me ... exactly what "incremental things" have YOU actually supported in this process ... I mean, besides "no" as a possible subset of "h#ll, no." LoL I suppose you and other Republicans will now try to say that those "incremental things" are all part of their plan -- you know, the plan that wasn't.

After having supported tax breaks for the wealthy that trickled down into no jobs and vanishing health insurance benefits, God forbid Republicans should support more deficit spending to provide health care for those were left out of Ronald Reagan's "No Millionaire Left Behind" revolution.

It finally IS morning in America, Lily. Just after dawn. Wake up.

Anna Molly (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:53 AM)

"there were so many easier, incremental things that could have been done." ~ lily (another thread)

I'm sure there were, Lily, so, get on with it and tell me ... exactly what "incremental things" have YOU actually supported in this process ... I mean, besides "no" as a possible subset of "h#ll, no." LoL I suppose you and other Republicans will now try to say that those "incremental things" were all part of their plan -- you know, the plan that never was.

After having supported tax breaks for the wealthy that trickled down into no jobs and vanishing health insurance benefits, God forbid Republicans should support more deficit spending to provide health care for those who were left out of Ronald Reagan's "No Millionaire Left Behind" revolution.

It finally IS morning in America, Lily. Just after dawn. Wake up and smell the coffee. After all, coffee is a great anti-oxidant.

Anna Molly (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:57 AM)

Clara - I agree with your comments. Washington is so politcally segregated that even the news media view everything from a political point of view.

The analyses above is only useful to those people who see the world as 'donkeys' or 'elephants'.
The real world sees things MUCH differently

Paul, Flordia (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:09 PM)

Izzy Buffalo, NY (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:09 PM)

Total nonsense unless he posts the Republicans who are vulnerable because of their opposition to everything. Their opposition is in most cases so they can argue the no change issue. How stupid are we supposed to be when a party tooth and nail opposes everything then argues there has been no changes...Duuuuhhhhh.

Bill Chance Northern Ohio (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:36 PM)

I do not want to buy health care for anyone! Why should I? Is this still America??? If this bs bill gets through, I may wind up in jail because I do not want any health insurance! I guess America is doomed,,,,,good by USA,,,,, hello USSA.
Thanks Scum-Bama!!

Bob R (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:36 PM)

What first read needs to do is read the tea leaves. All politics are local. Not many will be voted out of office because they voted for health care reform.

Eric, Oklahoma City (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:36 PM)

Why is this the narrative? Why not ask the question: how many Republicans in swing districts voted AGAINST the bill? After all, Health Care reform is wildly popular.

Samuel Hicks (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:37 PM)

It's amazing to me how these right-wing Christian politicians seem to lose their sense of "love thy neighbor" and "care for those in need" when it comes to voting for a comprehensive health care bill. Jesus helped those that needed help most not those that could afford it most.

Harold, Knoxville, TN (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:38 PM)

Assuming HCR passes the Senate, the two bills are merged, and then HCR is signed into law, I think independent minded people may have a short memory.

Even though most of the changes don't take place for several years, I think the far right may have their strategy backfire on them.

Remember, according to the far right, this is the worst bill in the history of the country and is going to destroy the nation. According to the right, it is going to kill granny, increase your taxes, take away your freedom, and ruin American health care. That works well for scaring people away from supporting it, but if the bill gets passed, people are going to quickly realize it was all bluster.

Yes, many people have been fooled into being scared. But after it is signed into law, people will start to realize that the things they were scared about haven't happened.

Sure, the far right will still be planning a revolution to take back their country. But most of the US population is not nearly this extreme. They just want to be safe, have a source of income, and feel security for their future.

I think 2010 revolves around the economy and jobs. If the unemployment rate starts to drop well before the elections, I think many incumbents will be safe. If it stays above 10%, they'll be out.

Remember, it's the economy, stupid!

Chris - IL (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:41 PM)

I'd like to see the stats on Peter Roskam R-IL 6. I live in his district, Obama won it, and he voted against it.

Chris, Lombard, IL (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:41 PM)

No legitimate economist that I know supports the House bill. Social Security is in the red; medicare is in the red; so we are going to futher in the red to solve our economic shortfall. What school did these people go to? Harvard?

Ilbert Phillips, Culver City, Califoria (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:41 PM)

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN PARTICAPATING IN ANY HELPFUL MEANINGFUL WAY IN GOVERNING OUR COUNTRY. THIER ONLY PURPOSE AS A POLITICAL PARTY AT THIS TIME IS TO SPREAD HATE,& FEAR,SO AS TO COERCE & INTIMADATE ALL AMERICANS INTO NOT THINKING FOR THEMSELVES.PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED MY FRIENDS,LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY.. THESE SO CALLED "REAL AMERICANS",, WHO PUT FORWARD THE PROPOSITION IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THEM,,, THEN YOU ARE NOT A "REAL AMERICAN",,, THESE PEOPLE ARE DANGEROUS,

RICH LAKE WORTH FL. (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:43 PM)

How about a Health Reform Bill that States can "opt into", instead ofone that States can "opt out of" ??

It would receive an overwhelming acceptance of the Senate. The President should not attempt to force his Agenda down the throats of those who are concerned about costly entitlements that can never be reconciled.

Roland P. (Sarasota, Florida)

Roland Piccone (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:43 PM)

Why not go to their districts and see how the people fell,the majority of them,and stop this number crap.

John Nettles (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:44 PM)

To all of you who are for the public option and currently have jobs, prepare for at least a 50% increase in your health care costs as provided by your companies. Also prepare yourselfs to either pay that extra amount yourself or not to get any pay increases for the next 10 years.

Also prepare yourself for that fact that once this passes you no longer will have an option on health care through your employement, you will be forced to pay for health care. This is because the company will not want to have to pay the penalties if you were to elect not to have health care.

Jim in Omaha (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:44 PM)

Ohio will show the country the price for ramming this unwanted and tax riden health care bill at us, rest assured Ohio House members who voted for this will not be re-elected! Job killing in our state must end.

Charles, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:46 PM)

How come there is no mention of the Republican members that voted "Nay" for the health care bill in districts that Obama carried? My Rep in CA-44 won very narrowly in 2008 and Obama carried the district. How many Republican congress people are going to lose their jobs in 2010? This knife cuts both ways honestly. I'll bet you Joseph Cao in Louisiana gets re-elected for doing what the people in his district wanted even though he is an (R) in a (D) district. He did what representatives are supposed to do, be responsive to their constituents not fall in line behind their political party like a lemming.

Teri, Riverside, CA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:47 PM)

Well...my Democrat rep voted against this bill. He acts more like a Republican than a Democrat in all he does. He no longer will have my vote. I hope he is defeated next time around.

Carolyn, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:48 PM)

As taxpayers, we pay dearly for Congresses health benefits, which are covered for themselves and their families. Once they leave office they are continued to be covered for the rest of their lives. How unfair that they refuse to offer a public option for those who can least afford rent or food let alone insurance to safe guard their health. Shame on Congress for its self righteous denials. It’s not coming out of their pockets.

William in Houston (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:49 PM)

I see that the house Democrats have continued to maintain the Aristocates in our country. That they are better than the rest of us serfs by exempting themselves from the health care plan.

Jim Minnich Sheffield Village, OH (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 12:50 PM)

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