Clyburn: Dems in 'good shape' on getting votes for health bill

The congressional support for healthcare legislation is in "good shape," House Democrats' chief vote-counter said Wednesday.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) expressed optimism that Democrats would be able to get together the votes to pass their healthcare bill.

"I think we're in good shape on this bill," Clyburn said during an appearance on MSNBC.

Clyburn laid out the new math facing Democrats since some lawmakers have resigned from the House to pursue other races.

"I think that all of us in the House know that 220 people have voted for it, 219 Democrats," the third-ranking House Democrat said. "Now three of those Democrats who voted for it are no longer part of the body which takes us down to 216, but we've got four vacancies, so it means that what we need is 216 and not 218."

Clyburn refused to say just how many votes he had, and spoke only vaguely about his optimism.

"I'm in very good shape," he said. "I think we'll do well with this bill, and we'll have healthcare reform that all of us can build on going forward."