War vote may hinge on a few Republicans
WASHINGTON - A few senators from President Bush’s own party may determine the outcome of an Iraq war vote this week that would deal a blow to him. These Republicans, up for re-election in 2008, are faced with balancing party loyalty against voters’ anger at a war that is generally unpopular in their states.
On the table is a resolution by Sen. John Warner (news, bio, voting record), R-Va., that would put the Senate on record as opposing President Bush’s decision to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.
With Republicans ready to use parliamentary delays that would take 60 votes to force a vote on the Warner measure — and some Democrats opposing the resolution — a handful of the GOP lawmakers who face voters soon are likely to play a crucial role.
Democrats hold a 51-49 working majority in the Senate for organizational purposes — with backing from two independents — but all 51 don’t necessarily vote the same way on a particular issue.
