Supplemental Whip Count Update: 32 “No,” 15 “Leaning No” — We Need 39

I guess the Whip Count deities must be smiling on us this morning. I’m counting 32 "No" votes for the supplemental, and 15 "leaning no." We need 39 votes.

I’ve updated the list based on a conversation with Paul Martin of Peace Action, who is up on the Hill talking to members.  He gave the following updates:

I’ve also learned that this information confirms what others have seen on a list that members of Congress are sharing with each other, which may not have been seen by their staffs.  Unsurprisingly, Jan Schakowsky is not on it.

That means there are 32 "no" votes, and we need to move 7 move votes into that category to stop the bill from passing.  

I’ve also added Carolyn Maloney to the list — if she’s going to challenge Kirsten Gillibrand from the left, she probably needs to hear from constituents (Jonathan Tasini is saying that he would vote "no").  I’m adding Paul Hodes too. We supported him as a Blue America candidate, and I know many of our readers gave him money for his campaign based on the fact that he opposed the war. 

These calls are having a big effect.  Members are hearing that "Cash for Clunkers" is chump change, and not a satisfactory reason for switching their votes on an issue like war funding.  They’re being heavily pressured by Rahm Emanuel to abandon their principles, and the only support they’re getting for doing the right thing are your calls.

Please use our Whip Tool and let members of congress know that you stand by them in opposing this bill  — your call is important.