Steve Lynch is a loyal South Boston Democrat. He is also one of Nancy Pelosi’s floor whips. He has just publicly stated that he will probably vote against the Senate bill and urged the Democratic leaderships to avoid a deem and pass tactic.
So what’s different about Lynch? Two things. South Boston takes Saint Patrick’s Day very seriously. Lynch has been in South Boston all week participating in many public events. And the people have been giving him an earful. He hasn’t been sequestered in Washington.
Also, Scott Brown stunned the Massachusetts Democratic establishment by carrying South Boston. Lynch considers himself part of the old guard and he knows his supporters are flocking towards politicians like Tim Cahill and Scott Brown. His base is evaporating.
Losing a couple of loyal Democrats like Lynch could be the final nail in the coffin. Lynch’s stand may embolden other skeptical Democrats including Michael Capuano and Richard Neal of Massachusetts.
Dan McLaughlin
Moe Lane
Neil Stevens
Steve Maley
Any chance he's just holding his hand out?
Mary Beth (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 8:55AM EST (link)If not…then that is a stunner indeed.
I keep hearing how this is going to be a squeaker…but I’ve always felt that if it falls, it’ll fall big.
“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” ~ Ronald Reagan
Never Know
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:12AM EST (link)But Pelosi is having such a hard time with the handful of moderates and Blue Dogs, she doesnt have the time to for this. Even if people like Lynch are just holding their hand out, it is doomed. There is no way to negotiate that many deals before the weekend is up. Lynch is one of her own whips. Devastating.
Yeah and the WP has him as a solid YES.
Mary Beth (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:18AM EST (link)But one should expect that from a party whip so I doubt he was ever considered to be a possible flip before.
Perhaps he portends the dam breaking if he’s legit.
But you know, he’d almost have to be legit at this point because wavering at this late date can’t do Pelosi any good at all and can pretty much only signal cracks in the foundation.
“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” ~ Ronald Reagan
Lynch May Also Know That The Whip Count Is *Never* Going To Get To 217...
IJB Thursday, March 18th at 9:30AM EST (link)…And so has decided to get out in front of the ‘No’ wave.
If that’s what’s going on, expect the weekend vote to get cancelled within the next 24 hours.
Very good point.
Mary Beth (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:38AM EST (link)“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” ~ Ronald Reagan
As my grandpappy used to say....
zerodefects (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 6:23AM EST (link)“How can you tell when a politician is lying? His lips are moving.”
I wouldn’t trust any of them as far as I could throw ‘em.
I want this bill in the trash can with some tobacco-spit on it.
“History does not allow freedom to be defended by the weak and the timid.” –Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953
The August recess can't get here soon enough.
cwilson (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 9:53AM EST (link)At that point, our only worry will be what a vengeful lame-duck 111th will do in December.
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! –Samuel Adams
I could see Health Care passing in December. Yuck.
houstoneagle (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 11:07PM EST (link)Lame ducks quack loudly!
“We preach the conservative gospel of individual liberty and choice and point out the only choice the Democrats want you to have is whether or not to kill a baby.”–Erick Erickson, D-Day 2010
You're forgetting Scott Brown
sarg01 Friday, March 19th at 11:15PM EST (link)The only reason HCR isn’t dead is the Senate passed *something* before Brown’s election.
This is indeed good news!...each and every...
JadedByPolitics (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:20AM EST (link)LEMMING that is picked off because of their desire for self preservation is a WIN for America and a WIN FOR FREEDOM!
Unified Patriots – How-To:
Activists Taking Action
$940 Billion over 10 yrs. And if you believe that...
Mary Beth (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:26AM EST (link)…I’ve got the same bridge to nowhere that Obama and Biden voted for twice to sell to you at a bargain price!
“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” ~ Ronald Reagan
exactly
partyof1 Sunday, March 21st at 1:07AM EST (link)excellent RS post here that lays it all out
http://www.redstate.com/ahffgeoff/2010/03/20/cbo-obamacare-at-least-100-billion-in-deficit-spending-over-10-years/
Whaaaa??
RealQuiet (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:38AM EST (link)This would be GREAT!!!!
Country Over Party, Perhaps?
Spartan4Life (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:39AM EST (link)I do have one thing to say that won’t be very popular here. I think if this bill goes down, these courageous Democrats who are standing up to Obama and Pelosi will have to be rewarded with our gratitude.
If the bill passes, screw them all, regardless of how they voted.
Some May Just Be Riding The Tide
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:57AM EST (link)But there are a couple who reallt stuck theirneck out. If this goes down, patriots owe a debt a gratitude to Stupak. He is one of the few that did real yeoman’s work. He just gave an interview where he stated that his life has been a living hell. The other pro-life Dems dont wantto stick their neck out ofr fear of retribution, who he is taking the arrows for them all.
Tea Partiers Need to Prop Up Wavering Dems
Spartan4Life (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 10:27AM EST (link)Let’s face it….this can’t be easy. How would you like to have the menopausal ice queen up in your grill 24×7?
I oppose what the Democrats are doing on principle, not because I am a Republican hack. Listen, the GOP has left us holding the bag far too many times for me to make this about party.
I think those that are truly for smaller government need to let weak kneed Democrats that they will be doing themselves a favor by being part of the effort to scrap this job killing monstrosity and that they will be rewarded in their re-election bids for having helped defeat it.
That Obama sticker on your bumper.........
makemyday (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:50AM EST (link)used to show the rest of us how stupid you are.
If this passes that bumper sticker just made you a target!
When all else fails…….. Shoot!
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” –American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)
“We should never despair, our Situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust, it will again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new Exertions and proportion our Efforts to the exigency of the times.” –George Washington, letter to Philip Schuyler, 1777
YEEHAAAAA!!! LYNCH IS A FIRM NO!! Saw this just now at Ace!!
RealQuiet (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 11:13AM EST (link)Per the Hill:
Lynch (who was not a GOP target) has been flipped to NO in The Hill Count
Says he will vote no. Proponent of Stupak language. Has major problems with “deem and pass” strategy. Told Politico, “I don’t buy the argument that he’s done if this doesn’t pass. He’s got three more years. He can recover.”
That's 37 "No's", Right?
IJB Thursday, March 18th at 11:33AM EST (link)If all those 37 stick to “No”, we only need a 38th, and this bill won’t pass.
And if it gets to 38 “No” votes, there won’t end up being 38 “No’s” – there will be more like 50+ “No’s”, and the bill won’t even get to 200 “Yes” votes.
Yup!!!!
RealQuiet (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 11:35AM EST (link)n/t
And I'm sure the LSM will be trumpeting his and Acuri's flip
eburke (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 1:03PM EST (link)just as loudly as they’ve been trumpeting all the undecided previous yes’s who have flipped to……yes.
::Rolling Eyes::
“All that need be done for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Unified Patriots
So it IS all about Obama...
Jack_Savage (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 11:52AM EST (link)Who would have thought?
Yankee
hickorystick (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 12:20PM EST (link)What’s triggering MA Politicians to actually act on their independance? The Rep to the south of my district mouths being independant, is capable of thinking for himself, but just caved into agreeing to vote for healthcare when he knows it’s a bad idea. His name is Adam Smith (ironic, I know). If their is something you know that gets people off the fence, I’d like to know it. It could be useful in a North-West city.
That Would Take a Small Book
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:04PM EST (link)I definately have some ideas on that subject though.
I look forward to hearing them -nt-
hickorystick (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 12:14AM EST (link)LYNCH UPDATE: 40 Minutes W/ Obama = Solid No
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:03PM EST (link)So all those early reports came before Lynch’s big meeting with Obama on the Oval Office. Some, like FDL, kept Lynch as a leaner because they thought he may be angling, and that Obama could persuade.
Obama worked the old iron worker for 40 minutes. His response to Obama
“I am firmly a ‘no’ vote.”
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/healthcare/view/20100318lynch_strong_no_on_health_bill_despite_talk_with_prez/srvc=home&position=1
Are people declaring their votes without them being reported?
Mary Beth (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:10PM EST (link)I saw a few reports…from Fox and others…saying that Pelosi is within 5 votes.
How is this possible? Last I checked, she was way down, and of those declaring she has a net loss (or at least that’s my perception).
So how could they be reporting she’s so close if so far the momentum has been against her?
(I keep trying not to flip out over every whip count but right now…I’m at my wits end and I just wish they’d stop doing this to us.)
“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” ~ Ronald Reagan
It's All Spin
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:14PM EST (link)Can’t control that. All we can control is our own sphere of influence.
Nothing to do, but keep working House members and their bases
Lynch flipped. No one saw that.
I’m going to work on Tierney, and Capuano Friday.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Mary Beth (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:20PM EST (link)I’ve had a shaky day… I’m not always this iffy.
I just had to remind myself yet again that it’s not a matter of can we beat them, but we MUST beat them…and that when we hit setbacks or when the enemy tries to tear down our spirits, we must push onward for the sake of our republic.
“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” ~ Ronald Reagan
Hmmm. What we have here is a failure of the mojo.
redneck_hippie (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:11PM EST (link)What is with his vote of support on today’s resolution on Slaughter?
Not A Big Deal
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Thursday, March 18th at 9:18PM EST (link)He explained it on the radio. That was not the vote on the important vote on Slaughter. He is firmly opposed to Slaughter. People are reading too much into that vote.
Generic Comment
AndrewHyman (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 1:16AM EST (link)I just want to say that, if the GOP does manage to pull this off on Sunday, I would really appreciate if GOP leaders would do something. Focus really really really hard on sincere and substantial measures to bring down health care costs, getting more primary care physicians into the workforce, making insurance more portable and transferable without risk of losing coverage for pre-existing conditions, eliminating waste and fraud in the existing Medicare and Medicaid programs, et cetera, et cetera. If the GOP wins on Sunday, gloating is not an option.
Can't do anything if the Dems won't let any Rep bills come to the floor
Finrod (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 2:43AM EST (link)All we can do is wave our bills that Dem leadership won’t consider and make noise.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. How much for the ape?
True, But I'm Assuming a GOP Landslide in November
AndrewHyman (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 2:47AM EST (link)n/t
We're not suprised, Swampman.
Vassar Bushmills (Diary) Friday, March 19th at 5:25PM EST (link)He is a s Christian after all.