Closing Weak

The normal rules of political physics would suggest a strong finish for the bad guys (with a vote scheduled for around 6pm), as they can call in those willing but reluctant to vote yes if needed.
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) said Sunday morning that he is close to striking a deal with the Obama administration on abortion provisions. "We are close to getting something done," Stupak said in an interview with MSNBC.
The fact that Stupak and his gang of six are still being worked by Pelosi would seem to indicate that they need the votes, but it could also mean that they're looking to make the final vote less close.
Democratic leaders said Sunday they have the votes on healthcare reform, but Stupak said until there is a deal struck, they don't have the 216 votes they need. Stupak said he engaged in talks late into Saturday night.
If all it takes to get the pro-life team to vote yes is an executive order, that would seem to be an easy enough thing to give them if the whole vote depends upon it.
The possible deal would focus on an executive order that would specify there would be no public funding for abortions in the healthcare bill. "We're close but we're not there yet," Stupak said.