Dem Congressman Michael Arcuri decides to be a self-serving asshole (updated)

[ProSense]

Report: Dem Congressman Michael Arcuri Switches From Yes To No On Health Care Bill

Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY), a swing-district Democrat who previously voted for the House health care bill, will now vote against the current bill, the Hotline reports.

Arcuri has previously indicated that he was leaning against the bill, saying two weeks ago about the Senate version: "There would have to be some dramatic changes in it for me to change my position."

House Democrats will need every vote they can, of course, in order to get to the 216 threshold. And Arcuri is now one name subtracted from their column.

Updated to add this from Sam Stein

Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio), who voted "yes" on the health care reform bill in November, announced on Wednesday that she will vote for the bill again, despite problems she has with the legislation.

Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-Ohio), while still officially undecided, said in a statement on Thursday that he is expecting to vote yes. He voted in favor of the bill during the previous House vote in November.

Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC), previously a firm no on the vote, announced on Wednesday that he is "reluctant to draw a line in the sand," and is currently undecided.

Rep. Mike Arcuri (D-N.Y.) had been a yes vote for health care reform the first time around. On Thursday, however, the sophomore member told his fellow Democrats that he will vote against the bill.

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), who hinted he might oppose the bill over Medicaid reimbursement rates, has indicated that he will end up supporting the legislation. He was a "yes" vote the first time around.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) who is angered over the restrictive immigration provisions in the Senate bill, has said he is a no vote (after initially supporting the legislation). Democratic officials, however, say he will likely support the measure in the end.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), who was a firm no vote on the legislation just days earlier, announced on Wednesday that he will support the bill. He was previously a no vote.

Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) has switched his yes vote to no, citing a watering down of the abortion language in the final measure.

Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Cali.), remains undecided on health care reform. He previously had supported the legislation and, specifically, the tough abortion language championed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.). Now on the fence, he has become a prime target for both sides of the aisle. The National Republican Congressional Committee took out an ad on Thursday, hitting the congressman for "rubber-stamping Nancy Pelosi's reckless agenda."

[msongs]

1. everyone who disagrees with you is an a******? nt

[ProSense]

3. No, everyone who votes against health care reform is a self-serving asshole.

Clear?

[Cha]

2. Self serving asshole is right..and I should know..

he's my blue dog. I and My friends in the District have called and written and he's more afraid of losing his cushy job with benefits to a repub than helping the People.

And, what's his position? I still haven't heard a logical one.

[Jennicut]

4. Not surprised by that at all. Surprised Shuler is even saying he is undecided.

Acuri will most likely lose his election either way. He is choosing to do the wrong thing anyway.

[Cha]

6. Yeah, it sucks being in his District..

but not for long..I'm moving in the Fall.. far away.

[Jennicut]

9. Where ya goin?

I liked that you were right next door in NY! :)
I love my rep in CT, Chris Murphy. I am lucky. And Ned Lamont is running for Gov and his #'s look good, Blumenthal is crushing the Repubs in polling right now. CT seems to want to go way blue this year.

[Cha]

12. I'm happy for you and will still be in contact on DU

on Kaua'i!B-) I'm retiring this year and moving back to my most favorite State.

[Jennicut]

13. You lucky duck! Enjoy that warm weather all year round.

I will still be freezing to death in winter here in CT. :)

[Cha]

14. I did my stint in New York for 12 years and

17 years born and raised in Colorado.:)

[Supersedeas]

8. yep, Shuler is a pleasant surprise - but, we'll see

[bigdarryl]

5. Look at the states these people come from THERE TOASTED in November

[fugop]

7. This one posted yet?

From TPM:

Schauer Will Vote Yes
16 minutes ago

Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI), who had been considering voting against the health care bill, announces on MSNBC that he will vote for the bill. Schauer voted yes in November.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/live/countdown-to-reform-wire/?ref=fpb#325046

[Jennicut]

10. Good. One more that was on the fence added to the yes column.

[Cha]

11. WOW...In a North Carolina District!

And, my blue dog in New York won't do it.

[LeftyAndProud60]

15. Is this one of those things Parties do in swing districts or was his vote really needed? nt

[Cha]

16. This is my latest letter to Arucuri..too much?

Congressman Arcuri,

As your constituent, I'm writing to tell you why I'm such a strong supporter of health reform.

The CBO report came out today and it's another reason for you to vote for the HRC Bill.

"To briefly review, the final package costs $940 billion over 10 years. It reduces the deficit by $130 billion in the first decade, and $1.2 trillion in the second. The bill will bring coverage to 32 million Americans, while extending Medicare solvency by at least 9 years.

Democrats have begun calling the package the "biggest deficit reduction measure in 25 years," which happens to be true. It's also arguably the biggest cost control bill ever.

Also note, the final Democratic proposal lowers the deficit more than the previous versions. The Senate bill was projected to reduce the deficit by $118 billion in the first decade, and this one does even better."
From Steve Benen/WashingtonMonthly.com/

I'd like to know why you are voting with the republicans on this, Mr Arcuri? You haven't given a good reason. Are you afraid of losing your job in November because of the propaganda that will be used against you by the republicans? If so then you're really not standing up for the People, are you?

My friends in the District and I have been calling your office in support of the Health Reform Bill but it's falling on deaf ears. It's hard to believe that after we supported you the last two elections that you choose to ignore the People over the corporations and the propaganda.

Thank you.
Cha

[Cha]

17. Kick to keep Rep Michael Arcuri front and center.