Under pressure, moderate Democrats agree to advance healthcare bill

But in the last few days, other uncommitted centrists have rallied behind the bill, at least for the first vote. Sen. Evan Bayh (D) of Indiana, said on Tuesday that he was encouraged by what he had heard about the bill and would vote to move it to the floor. “Trust but verify,” he said.

After weeks of vetting concerns about the bill, Sen. Ben Nelson (D) of Nebraska said today that he would not block the bill because he did not want to be an obstructionist.

Sen. Landrieu, a champion at wresting last-minute concessions for her state on the eve of big votes, is still reviewing the bill, according to a spokesman.

It’s a tough vote for these centrists, no matter how it turns out, especially for senators like Lincoln who face voters next year. Liberal groups are threatening to fund a primary opponent, if she votes against the bill. Conservative voters could balk, if she votes with it.

“Arkansas is a state with a lot of older voters, and they are not going to be very happy if she supports a plan that a majority of voters have not embraced,” says Jennifer Duffy, who analyzes Senate races for the Cook Political Report. “It could become a brick in a larger message that she’s gone Washington, voting with the Democratic Party and not Arkansas.”

Sen. Mark Pryor (D) of Arkansas says he’s constantly fielding calls from voters alarmed by the number of big government bills pending in Congress, including healthcare and climate change. “They tell me: Just stop doing things to us,” he says.

See also:

Three gimmicks that make Senate healthcare bill look better

Illegal immigrants becoming a flashpoint in healthcare reform

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