Dems Close To Securing 60 Votes For Unemployment Benefits: Vote Postponed

[sheshe2]

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) postponed a key test vote Monday on extending emergency unemployment benefits for three months.

The procedural vote requiring 60 senators to move forward was initially scheduled for late Monday afternoon, but is now poised to happen on Tuesday morning. Reid moved the vote after Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized him for the timing of it, saying many senators were absent.

It's not clear Democrats have the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster, but leaders believe they are close. The 55 Democrats are expected to be united in favor of the extension, and they have Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) on board. So they need four more Republicans, and they're looking at five hopefuls.

Democrats believe Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) may be a yes. They're also seeking to win over Republican Sens. Rob Portman (OH), Kelly Ayotte (NH), Lisa Murkowski (AK) and John McCain (AZ).

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/senate-vote-unemployment-benefits

[DCBob]

1. I think they will get the votes eventually.

There have to be enough sane R's to get to 60.

[PeoViejo]

5. Dont' count on it

the GOP Lemmings are bound to go over the Cliff, eventually.

[freshwest]

2. And as much as I despise Mc Cain, I want him to vote for extension. Harry faces GOPugs daily.

He and Obama have better gag control than me.

[sheshe2]

3. McCain is a rat, but I'll take his yes vote on the extension!

We take what we can.

[freshwest]

6. Anyway we can. Moving forward:

[sheshe2]

8. Damn, freshwest what an excellent

animated graphic!

That says it all! Thank you for sharing.

Freedom!

[PeoViejo]

4. Time to take names

..come election time, this is more good ammunition to use against the GOP.

[FreeJoe]

7. The House

Doesn't this have to get through the House? What is the status there?

[Cha]

9. Here's to a miracle happening, she..

[sheshe2]

10. We could use one, Cha.

I believe that the unemployed deserve one.