Bradenton.com tracking historic health care vote

Topping the Bradenton Herald today is our Washington bureau's thorough coverage of the health-care debate, on the eve of the House vote -- deemed historic, yet almost anticlimatic after the endless politicking.

But it is historic change, and we plan to post news at Bradenton.com quickly after the votes this afternoon. The House plans to convene at 1 p.m. and proceed with two hours of debate on the so-called reconciliation bill, changing the terms of the bill the Senate passed Christmas Eve.

Our Washington editors noted that they plan to move a complete story by reporters David Lightman, William Douglas and others immediately after the vote this afternoon. And they noted this story will be of greatest value to you, our Web readers. We will update as needed, but observers expect that House Democratic leaders want this process completed before 6 p.m. without the contentious "middle of the night vote."

Washington reporter Lesley Clark, along with Metro Editor Marc Masferrer here at home, will be tracking the roles of our local House members today, including Reps. Vern Buchanan and Kathy Castor.

Here's to our health.

-- Joan