Nine House Dems May Flip to 'Yes' on Health Care

Nine House Democrats say they have not ruled out switching their "no" votes to "yes" on Obama's health care overhaul, brightening the party's hopes in the face of unyielding Republican opposition. The White House has tried to smooth the way for them, showing its own openness to changes in the landmark legislation and making clear that it'll use budget reconciliation to get the law through the Senate if necessary.

The White House said Obama will outline his final "way forward" in a speech tomorrow in which he's expected to embrace some GOP ideas. Few think those gestures will persuade even a single Republican to vote for the legislation, but they could give wavering Democrats political cover. The AP asked all 39 Democrats who voted against the bill in November if they'd consider switching. Nine said they might, including three who are not seeking reelection. One said he would not; many didn't reply. (More House Democrats stories.)