Rep. Murphy to vote "yes" on health care reform

Rep. Scott Murphy, D-Glens Falls, who has been wavering on whether to vote in favor of the President Barack Obama's proposed health care reform bill, announced today that he would in fact vote "yes."

Murphy who voted against the prior bill introduced in the House, says he can support the president's version because it will help small businesses and families and reforms Medicare to protect against waste and fraud.

"I did read it all. That's the way I approach solving problems. This is an important issue. People deserve that from their representative. I was amazed as how many other people went out and could tell you how they were going to vote before it was even written," Murphy said.

Murphy's decision comes after local Democrats had amped up their support of the bill by protesting outside his office and making thousands of calls to the first-term congressman's office to pressure him into voting in favor of the bill.

The announcement comes as Speaker Nancy Pelosi fights to obtain the needed 216 votes to pass health care reform. President Obama is expected to meet with the House Democratic caucus Saturday, prior to an anticipated Sunday vote.