FROM A DEMOCRAT? - AT 6:14 P.M. ET:  There are indeed moderate Democrats, and they won't shut up.  Maybe they'll be targeted next, like Fox News:

(CNSNews.com) - Rep. Bart Setup (CD) told CNSNews.com yesterday that he has organized a group of “about 40 likeminded Democrats” who will vote to kill the health-care bill if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) does not allow a floor vote on his amendment to prohibit federal funds from going to insurance plans that cover abortion.

Under Stupak’s plan, the approximately 40 Democrats in his camp would join with all House Republicans in voting to defeat the special House “rule” that would set the terms for debating and amending the health-care bill on the House floor when it is brought up for a final vote. If a majority of the House does not first vote to approve this rule, the health-care bill itself cannot be brought to the floor.

COMMENT:  The moderates, or Blue Dogs, are the most frightened Democrats.  Most were elected from swing districts, and they can easily lose their seats next year, when the entire House is up for election.  The liberals and ultra-liberals are almost always from safe districts, and can follow the party line without penalty.

October 23,  2009