Ga. Politicians Divided on Health Bill

ATLANTA - Two Georgia democrats were among those voting against the bill, along with republicans.

Before the health care reform vote took place, Georgia congressman John Lewis walked into the capitol with speaker Nancy Pelosi at his side.

On the well, Lewis made an impassioned plea for passing the bill, calling it the most important vote this congress will make.

In the end four of the state's six democrats voted yes, with Savannah's John Barlow and Macon's Jim Marshall joining the seven Georgia republicans voting no.

One of those republicans -- Congressman Tom Price -- criticized the so-called back-room deals needed to get the bill passed.

The health care reform debate has spilt the local medical community.

The Medical Association of Georgia is one of a dozen state organizations to break rank with the American Medical Association's support of the bill -- mainly because the Georgia group fears a massive government health care take over.

A federal bill requires all Americans to purchase health insurance.

Supporters of a state bill that would exempt Georgia residents from having to buy health coverage plan to rally Monday at the state capitol.