Supporters of Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Scramble For Last Vote

With the clock ticking, supporters of a Senate bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline are still scrambling to find the last vote. With 59 Senators publicly voicing support, the hunt was on for the 60th vote before a critical vote Tuesday to advance the measure. Maine independent Sen. Angus King left the possibility open, telling reporters he was a "probable no." All 45 Republicans support it, and 11 Democrats have signed onto the bill, along with three others who have publicly said they will vote "yes." That leaves just one. The issue has taken center stage in the waning days of this Congress in the hopes it will boost the prospects of Louisiana's Senate candidates. The bill has fallen victim to Senate gridlock in the recent past, but Sen. Mary Landrieu, with her political career at stake, launched an effort last week to find enough Democratic converts for passage. She trails Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-La., in the polls in advance of a Dec. 6 runoff election in Louisiana, but is campaigning as a skilled and seasoned lawmaker with the ability to pass bipartisan legislation vital to her oil-rich state. The House passed legislation last week to allow construction to proceed, with Cassidy claiming much of the credit.