Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) has only a long-shot chance of retaining her senate seat in December 6th\’s runoff election. One of the few opportunities she has to make a hit with lots of voters is getting senate passage of the Keystone Pipeline. In theory, even though President Obama is virtually sure to veto such legislation, it would show Louisiana voters that she is on their side.
Except, even though every Republican in the senate will vote in favor of the pipeline, only 10 Democrats are willing to do so, which leaves her short of the 60 votes needed for a “super-majority” that would pass it along to the President for his reflexive veto….er, studied consideration.
How ironic it is that one of the only chances Landrieu has to keep her seat is being supported by Republicans, but thwarted by fellow Democrats.
As they say in the oil industry…..”well, well, well”.
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UPDATE: It\’s over. Despite Mary Landrieu\’s exhortations, 41 of her fellow Democrats voted no on the Keystone pipeline.
Personally, I doubt whether this will make any difference at all to her re-election prospects. Barring some astoundingly significant happening between now and December 6th, I don\’t see any way she can win (the latest poll shows her 21% behind).
That means the next senate will be comprised of 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats (actually 45, plus a socialist who caucuses with Democrats). Quite a change from the 55 – 45 advantage Democrats currently have.
With those numbers, you can bet the Keystone pipeline legislation will pass. Then President Obama will almost certainly veto it…and the fun will begin.
