Texas Republicans unlikely to vote yes on health care

Maria Recio - McClatchy Newspapers

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WASHINGTON — The outlook for a House vote on health care reform is shaky at best — even Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, continues to be undecided — and the Texas Republicans who represent portions of Tarrant County are solidly against the bill.

Edwards' concern about "socialized medicine," as he said last week, has been noteworthy because of his closeness to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who put him on the vice-presidential short list in 2008.

"He hasn't made a decision," said Edwards' spokesman Josh Taylor. "He's still reading the bill. I think he's on page 1,000."

Edwards was also focused on Fort Hood since the shootings were first reported Thursday. The Waco lawmaker represented the military facility for 14 years until redistricting put Fort Hood in the district of Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock.

The four GOP lawmakers from Tarrant County — Reps. Joe Barton, Arlington; Kay Granger, Fort Worth; Michael Burgess, Lewisville; and Kenny Marchant, Coppell — have been strong opponents of the Democratic health care bill.

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