Politics

Kucinich switches vote, will back health reform

10:27 AM on 03/17/2010

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Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, accompanies President Barack Obama as they arrive at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport in Clevelnad, Monday, March 15, 2010, en route to Strongsville, Ohio, where the president was to speak about health care reform. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Liberal Rep. Dennis Kucinich says he will support President Barack Obama's health care overhaul bill when the House considers it.

The Ohio Democrat opposed the bill when the House voted on it last year. But he has been lobbied hard by the president himself, as Democratic leaders try to corral the 216 House votes they need to approve the nearly $1 trillion package.

Kucinich announced his decision Wednesday. It's important because the vote will be close, and Democrats are scrounging for all the support they can get.

WATCH MSNBC'S COVERAGE OF KUCINICH'S PRESS CONFERENCE HERE:

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All Republicans are expected to oppose the legislation. Some Democrats who voted for an earlier version in November believe the new bill lacks sufficient curbs on federal financing of abortions and are expected to vote "no."