House Democrats Get One GOP Vote

(Nov. 8) - In a surprise to political observers, the Democrats' health care reform bill drew the support of one House Republican in a historic vote Saturday night.

Louisiana Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao joined 219 Democrats to pass sweeping legislation aimed at overhauling the nation's health care system.

"I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people," Cao, pictured on the left, said in a statement posted on his Web site. "My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents."

All eyes are now on the Senate, where top Democrats hope to vote on health care legislation in the coming months.

Cao came to represent the heavily Democratic 2nd district after defeating Rep. William J. Jefferson in a special election last winter. Jefferson, who had represented the area since 1991, was battling corruption charges at the time.

The Vietnamese-born former ethics teacher was touted by a top GOP member as "the future" of the Republican Party after the victory.

For more on Cao, check out this profile in The Washington Post.