Interesting. In a 50-48 vote, proponents of an Iraq withdrawal timeline prevailed against an attempt by Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) to rip out that language in the Iraq supplemental spending bill being debated and voted on today.
Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) joined the Dems.
Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) voted with the Republicans.
And shock of all shocks, Ben Nelson (D-NE) actually voted with the Dems on this one too — though Mark Pryor (D-AR) defected. I think Hagel’s aye vote forced Ben Nelson’s vote of support. Nelson knows how to triangulate.
I also forgot to salute Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) who has been shaky on this vote — and also stayed with her side of the aisle.
Senators Enzi (R-WY) and Johnson (D-SD) did not vote.
— Steve Clemons
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