START may now have 11 Republicans

[karynnj]

Lamar Alexander just gave a floor speech saying he will vote to ratify it.

The Hill yesterday identified 10 Republicans (not including him) who were very likely (or definite) yeses. http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/134551-gop-senators-concede-start-will-win-enough-votes-to-pass-handing-victory-to-obama

Politico has an article that a possible McCain amendment - saying what Obama has said since November on missile defense still being a go could get his, Kyl's, and Graham's vote. (My take - they need to save face and this resolution in the ratification resolution does nothing, but will make them happy.) http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46655.html

All I can say is Kerry has done a phenomenal job in the hearings and patiently working with the Republicans on this.

[dkf]

1. Are these Republicans really going down in history as a no vote on an important treaty?

It's the votes that get written up in the books that you don't want to be on the wrong side of when history makes it's judgments.

[karynnj]

2. But .. but.. but - the Democrats rammed it through with what looks to be 69 votes

and they dissed Christmas. Not to mention - it was rushed - even though it had over 20 hearings in a variety of committees - that covered about 60 Senators. (So, they should have looked at it before last week.)

Not to mention - some of the worst of the Republicans skipped many SFRC hearings - including DeMint and Inhoffe.

I suspect that a purposely meaningless amendment will be added, and the votes will be in the 70s - still low for a treaty of this kind, but not close. As you say, they are on the wrong side of history.

[dkf]

3. Yeah I think I read McCain was trying to add something so these jokers could save face.

[flpoljunkie]

4. Sadly, a bitter McCain must be pacified. Also agree Kerry has done a terrific job shepherding START