A small band of moderate Democrats could be key to the GOP Senate’s success

Washington Post ^ | January 11, 2015 | By Ed O'Keefe

[Brad from Tennessee]

Some of the most influential senators in the new Congress are neither in the majority nor among the longest-serving. They don’t show up on the Sunday-morning talk shows, and they aren’t talking about running for president in 2016.

Instead, they’re a pack of Democrats from mostly smaller, rural states who are inclined to work with Republicans on legislation President Obama doesn’t support. They may even be willing to help the GOP override his vetoes.

Some of them support building the Keystone XL oil pipeline and are expected to be active as the Senate begins to debate the issue this week. Others want Congress to pass tougher sanctions against Iran, and all are open to making changes to Obama’s health-care law. All three issues have drawn veto threats from the White House in recent days. . .

[SharpRightTurn]

“Moderate Democrat” is a more extinct species than the do-do bird.

[aquila48]

I got a feeling what the Compost considers a success is different than mine.

[IamConservative]

Color me skeptical. Let’s wait until there is a real vote, not symbolic vote, and see where they stand. My guess is right behind Harry Reid.

[dware]

“Moderate Democrat” is a more extinct species than the do-do bird.

Or "Conservative Republican".

[Vigilanteman]

The correct term isn’t “Moderate Democrat”; it is “not quite as batsh*t crazy radical left Democrat.”

[kushnejz]

even if a “moderate” democrat does exist, Harry Reid will not let them embarrass Obama right now while the spotlight is so bright. I will be surprised if even Keystone can muster 6 Democrat votes to pass and 13 Dems is out of the question to override. Dems toe the party line time and time again.

[AzSteven]

I imagine the vote would pass with Dem support - but that support is guaranteed to be 12 or less, and no extras will appear to make for a veto override. Reid will see that the veto means some of his vulnerable dems can cross over on this one, as long as its not enough to imply or guarantee an override of the promised veto.

[stephenjohnbanker]

LOL

[Irish Eyes]

When is Reid up for reelection? Have I heard it rumored that he will not run?

[stephenjohnbanker]

That is the rumor.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

[VeniVidiVici]

King is staunchly opposed to the Keystone project. “It’s not the role of Congress to be issuing building permits,” he said.

Huh?

[Yo-Yo]

Cue the new Gang of Eight.

[M Kehoe]

Is “Moderate Democrat” like a "moderate muslim?"

5.56mm

[sarge83]

I smell McInsain, his butt buddy Graham and those two idiot senators from Tennessee Corkhole and Lefty Lamar. Get ready for some “bipartisan” sellouts.

[Irish Eyes]

oh,oh guess the rumor was untrue

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3246074/posts

[griswold3]

We all know how the game is played. What is this band of Dems going to cost us? The price may be too high.

[nascarnation]

At least we should get some votes.
Reid’s obstruction let them coast without going on the record for years.

[bassmaner]

“It’s not the role of Congress to be issuing building permits,” he said.

Nor is the role of POTUS to be denying them.