And answer for them they will, regardless of how the votes go. The ideas that have been brought forward are so repugnant that they will pay whether they vote for it or not.
You've hit on the real danger for them here--it's not just about one vote, it's about the "storyline" insiders are always babbling about.
This whole thing reminds voters of the Republican storyline about the Dems: They can't be trusted with your money, they will tax the hell out of you, they will try to control your life, tax-and-spend, etc.
Bush's overspending was one thing, but when voters have no other choice, they'll go with the Republicans, who at least will go for budget and tax cuts SOMEtimes, as opposed to the Dems, who have been let off the leash and revealed their true selves since the last election.