Democrats got a boost from Catholic nuns representing 60 orders and defying Bishops of the Catholic Church to endorse health reform.
Earlier in the day, came an announcement that liberal Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, a one-time opponent of the current proposal, would vote for the bill despite reservations about its strength. His vote, he said, represents a "detour" in his campaigns to make health a civil right was necessary, and not a belief that it is adequate:
"I take this vote with the utmost seriousness. I am quite aware of the historic fight that has lasted the better part of the last century to bring America in line with other modern democracies in providing single payer health care. I have seen the political pressure and the financial pressure being asserted to prevent a minimal recognition of this right, even within the context of a system dominated by private insurance companies."
The entire statement is available here.
Depending on which pundit one consults, the numbers vary and are influenced by retirements, resignations, and the recent death of Rep. John Murtha. Democrats need 216 and todays news brings the vote closer. Time Magazine sees the battle lines drawn as a preview for the 2010 campaign and produced a list of the top 10 ads saturating television this fall.
Advocates rallying
As the vote nears, advocates are weighing in. Families USA posted a list of how each state will be affected by "the cost of doing nothing." And the Bazelon Center summarized its reasons for support, including provisions to integrate physical and mental health in Medicaid medical homes; and requirements that benefit packages include parity for addiction and mental health disorders in benefit packages. The analysis is available for download.
White House pitch
The White House pitch comes with clever numbers, each indicating why the Obama administration considers reform essential. The number "9" stands for the number of states where domestic violence is grounds for insurance rejection of a pre-existing condition. "50-50" represents the likelihood that people under 65 will not have insurance at some point in the next decade.
A vote might come this week and advocacy organizations are urging citizens speak out.
