Democrats Lose Withdrawal Vote

Republicans hold out against Iraq exit measure

By Heather McPherson

Posted Jul 18, 2007 1:04 PM CDT

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Democrats Lose Withdrawal Vote — In this video image taken from AP Television News, the Senate votes on a motion to instruct Senate Sergeant-at-arms Terrance Gainer to "request the attendance of absent senators," in an effort to keep members near the chamber. The vote passed 41-37 on the second vote just after midnight. (Associated Press)

Senate Democrats failed to collect enough votes this morning to pass a bill that would force President Bush to begin pulling troops out of Iraq within 120 days. After a spirited all-night debate, 52 voted in favor of the measure and 47 against, but rules require 60 "yes" votes to avert a Republican filibuster.

As expected, Gordon Smith, Olympia Snowe, and Chuck Hagel voted with the Democrats and Joe Lieberman with the GOP; Susan Collins unexpectedly also backed the redeployment. “Stop blocking a vote on this crucial, war-ending amendment,” Harry Reid urged. Countered Norm Coleman: “We need to change mission, but we have to do it thoughtfully.”

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