One begins to suspect that the Grim Reaper is against Obamacare. First, he got Ted Kennedy and now he’s made off with Jack Murtha. And Murtha’s absence matters for Obamacare. As Philip Klein puts it:
As the Capitol reacts to the death of Jack Murtha and remembers his legacy, it’s worth pointing out that the news will make it even harder for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi … to pass health care legislation.
And how does Klein arrive at this intriguing conclusion?
Back in November, the House passed its health care bill by a narrow 220 to 215 margin, with 39 Democrats voting against it. Since then, the one Republican who voted for it … has indicated that he would not support the bill a second time around … In addition, Florida Rep. Robert Wexler already retired prematurely.
This brings Pelosi is down to 217 votes. And it gets worse:
With Murtha’s death, the Cook Political Report has now moved his Pennsylvania district to the “toss up” category. If Republicans can field a good candidate and gain the seat, it would further reinforce the fears among Democrats in swing districts and make them less likely to jump on board with Pelosi.
And then there are the pro-life Democrats, like Bart Stupak, who won’t vote for any bill that provides federal funding for abortion. So, Murtha’s absence will be keenly felt by Pelosi & co.
All of which makes me wonder if the Grim Reaper is a Republican. But that can’t be true. Surely, he would be an advocate of death panels, right? That would make him a Democrat.
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