Thursday, June 21, 2007

Immigration Vote Count   [Kate O'Beirne]

Opponents of the immigration bill recognize that the vote on cloture (maybe tomorrow, but probably early next week) will be key. Outside groups are scoring a vote for cloture as a vote for the bill. Cloture will succeed with 60 votes. Outspoken critics of the bill can be expected to vote "No." Yesterday, Georgia senators Chambliss and Isakson announced their opposition. Given the size of the unpersuadable caucus that will support cloture, opponents are fighting uphill. Based on talking with well-informed sources, this is the most accurate list I've seen of the Republican senators whose intentions are unknown and whose support will be needed in order to defeat cloture: Richard Burr (N.C.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), Kit Bond (Mo.), Pat Roberts (Kan.), Gordon Smith (Ore.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Mike Crapo (Idaho), Norm Coleman (Min.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (Tex.), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Bob Bennett (Utah), and John Sununu (N.H.). (And opponents hope they can count on about a dozen Democrats).

06/21 07:25 AMShare