Bernanke Rounds Up Senate Confirmation Votes With Phone Calls

[Cali_Democrat]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a1JbSHjvBCpw&pos=4

By Scott Lanman and Alison Vekshin

Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke juggled an interest-rate meeting with phone calls to senators as he rolled up more support for a confirmation vote Majority Leader Harry Reid said may take place Jan. 28 or 29.

“He has the votes to be confirmed,” Senator Judd Gregg, a New Hampshire Republican, told reporters in Washington. “He is the right guy for the job.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said she spoke with Bernanke today and would vote yes. Republican Bob Corker of Tennessee, who had been leaning in Bernanke’s favor, also spoke with the Fed chief and said he would back him unless “something drops out of the skies.”

Forty-nine senators have said they would vote for the 56- year-old Fed chief or were inclined to support him, while 20 were opposed. Republicans were split 13-13 on a second term for Bernanke, while Democrats favored the Fed chief by a 35-6 margin, according to a count by Bloomberg News. Thirty-one senators were undecided or declined to comment.

Yesterday, Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, said some Democrats who oppose Bernanke will vote to end debate, which requires 60 votes, allowing his nomination to move forward. The vote on confirmation would then require a majority of senators present and voting. Vice President Joseph Biden could break a tie if necessary.

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[elocs]

1. Wow! Who would have thought it was so easy to round up votes? n/t

[Skink]

2. Hi this is Ben bernanke...oh I'm sorry you continue ro feel that way Mr. Sanders.