Democrat backs repeal of healthcare reform

Rep. Gene Taylor on Wednesday became the first Democrat to endorse a GOP effort to repeal the new health reform law.

The Mississippi lawmaker, who voted against the Democrats' law earlier in the year, has signed onto a discharge petition that would force a House vote on a repeal bill offered by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), Taylor's office confirmed Wednesday. 

A spokesman declined immediate comment, but conservatives are hardly as reticent. 

Michael A. Needham, CEO of Heritage Action, a branch of the Heritage Foundation, applauded Taylor Wednesday for "choosing principle over party.”

“His commitment to representing his constituents, who have been opposed to Obamacare from the beginning, is refreshing,” Needham said in a statement.