This healthy margin was more than was required and reflects the support of Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe. While I’m still a bit dubious of some of Sen. Baucus’ choices, I think he’s earned a pat on the back today. We haven’t guaranteed Sen. Snowe’s vote for the main bill, but this is a very good symbol and it changes the incentives for voting decisions substantially. With 60 Democrats plus one Republican that means we can afford to lose a single vote. If we only had 60 votes than any single Democrat could be a spoiler. As is, the leadership only has to meet the demands of the second biggest pain in the but, which means there can be a real penalty if you get too greedy.
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