It’s Thursday afternoon, California time, and Rep. Jim Costa still hasn’t decided how he’ll vote on health care come Saturday.

The Fresno Democrat, whose district includes parts of Bakersfield, Arvin, Shafter, Wasco and Delano, is one of the moderate and conservative “Blue Dog” House Democrats whose yeahs and nays could determine the outcome of their party’s proposed reforms.

“We’re still reviewing and listening to concerns from Valley residents,” said spokesman Bret Rumbeck.

There’s been plenty to hear. Staffers in the D.C., Fresno and Bakersfield offices have been swamped with e-mails and phone calls in recent days. Input is coming from around the country.

Costa was in D.C. Thursday, where he is still “speaking and negotiating” with party leadership to make legislation better for the Valley, Rumbeck said. Two things are on his wish list: a medical school at UC Merced and getting more health professionals to the Valley.

Folks on both sides are vying for the congressman’s attention.

On Wednesday, a labor group rallied outside Costa’s Bakersfield office urging him to support reform. Thursday, a Virginia-based limited-government group issued a press release urging him to vote against it. Reporters, meanwhile, keep wanting to know where he stands.

One key figure is staying quiet. President Barack Obama hasn’t called, Rumbeck said.

The latest Capitol Hill rumors say a vote is likely around 6 p.m. Saturday, Eastern time, with legislative business starting in the morning.

- Staff writer Gretchen Wenner

For a good story on what's going on with other Blue Dogs, read this Politico piece.