Saturday, March 20, 2010

Abortion opponents peeling off for Obamacare

House Democratic leaders appear to be succeeding in their push to peel off abortion-rights opponents lined up with Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) against a health care overhaul.

Stupak said those standing with him now number about six — down from the rough dozen he has claimed for weeks. That is likely enough to put the majority within striking distance of the 216 votes they need for passage.

“I don’t know if it’s enough,” Stupak said of those now backing him in demanding stricter language preventing public funding of abortion. “There’s rumors going back and forth. Last I heard they were short four and that was about an hour ago.”

Rep. Christopher Carney (D-Pa.) became the latest public defection from the Stupak coalition on Saturday when he declared he would vote for the bill.

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