Boyd, key Blue Dog, to support healthcare bill

Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), a key member of the Blue Dog Coalition, announced today that he will support healthcare reform legislation.

Boyd opposed the first House-passed bill.

The Florida Democrats said that while the bill is "not perfect," it would still be a sizeable improvement to the status quo.

“Throughout this entire debate, I have consistently said that responsible healthcare reform will embody four key principles:  it will reduce costs, increase access, ensure patient choice, and not add to the federal deficit,” Boyd said in a statement.

“This bill is not perfect, but I believe it meets these four principles of responsible reform by providing the largest middle class tax credits for healthcare in our nation’s history and preserving a patient’s ability to choose their own doctor.”  

Boyd's decision could provide cover to a number of other Blue Dogs. Stay tuned...