Congressman: Centrist Dems approaching GOP about health bill

Centrist Democrats are increasingly reaching out to Republicans to discuss GOP plans for healthcare reform, one congressman claimed Thursday.

Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician who has emerged as a leading voice for House Republicans during the healthcare debate, asserted that some Blue Dog Democrats have expressed an interest in Republican health bills after deciding to vote against plans favored by Democratic leaders.

"I'm having Democrats come to me, to speak to me as to what House Republicans are putting up," Cassidy told a conservative news radio program. "And when I mention our patient-centered plan...they want to have more conversations regarding that."

Cassidy was referencing the bill H.R. 3400, introduced by some House GOP lawmakers as an alternative to the bill favored by most Democrats.

"Some of my Democratic colleagues are approaching me now, saying we are not going to vote for H.R. 3200, can we talk about some of our ideas," Cassidy explained. "I'm very encouraged by this."

The Louisiana Republican said that the crossover Democrats have only consisted of centrists "so far," and are among the several dozen Democrats who have said they will vote against the House healthcare bill in its current form.