With the Senate's test vote fast approaching, some lawmakers are disclosing where they stand. For instance, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Friday he will vote with Democrats to advance to debate on a health care reform bill but that he's reserving the right to vote down the bill on final passage.
The Hill reports: "'This weekend, I will vote for the motion to proceed to bring that debate onto the Senate floor,' Nelson said in a statement. 'The Senate should start trying to fix a health care system that costs too much and delivers too little for Nebraskans.'" But The Hill also reports that Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Blanche Lincoln D-Ark., "have not yet stated their positions but both have hinted in recent days they are leaning toward supporting the vote"
(Young, 11/20).
The Associated Press reports that Nelson said Nebraskans deserve a "full and open debate. … Nelson has been one of just three question marks in recent days. ... Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said he hopes Senate Democrat Leadership can keep their caucus together (Werner, 11/20).
Meanwhile, speculation and confusion continues to surround the vote tracking.