Pelosi: SCHIP veto override only 13 votes short

According to an interview the Plain Dealer was able to grab with the Speaker, the SCHIP veto override is only 13 votes short in the House. The PD asked specifically about Kucinich's, and this was how the exchange went:

Asked whether she's having much luck convincing Kucinich, Pelosi suggested The Plain Dealer ask Kucinich. When told that Kucinich isn't talking to The Plain Dealer, she replied:

"If he's not talking, I better not make any announcements for him."

Cryptic. Maybe she's got him on board, maybe she doesn't. Frankly, I won't trust him until I hear it directly from his office. If Kucinich and OH-1 Rep. Steve Chabot can be flipped, then suddenly we're down to 11. Slowly but surely, it is proving possible for Pelosi to chip away at the opposition. She did say she is having trouble from some Dems from North Carolina, but that is not surprising. SCHIP will rely on a tobacco tax increase, and the tobacco growers are strong in NC.

So, what can you do? It's pretty simply. Call Chabot and Kucinich's offices. Tell them that you could never vote for a person who votes against health care for children. If you're feeling frisky, also tell Kucinich's people that you want to hear a public statement of support for SCHIP. This vote is too important for some twisted stance on principles or some adherence to a right-wing, anti-poor agenda.

Steve Chabot
(202) 225-2216 DC
(513) 684-2723 Cincinnati

Dennis Kucinich
(202) 225-5871 DC
(216) 228-8850 Lakewood
(440) 845-2707 Parma