59: Democrats need one vote for filibuster-proof majority on health care test

November 21, 2:17 PMCincinnati Political Buzz ExaminerJoshua Burns

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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., center, accompanied by Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., left, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., speaks during a news conference on health insurance companies on Capitol Hill in Washington.  (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Democrats are one vote away from securing a filibuster-proof majority of 60 on a key healthcare vote scheduled for Saturday night.

As was reported here today, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) announced in a Senate floor speech that she would vote yes to open debate on the Democratic healthcare overhaul proposal.  The vote is scheduled for 8 P.M. Saturday.

When Saturday began, 57 Democrats supported the measure ot open debate on the bill.  Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Landrieu both announced their support of the vote today, leaving Senator Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) as the only undeclared Democrat. 

Majority Leader Harry M. Reid needs the last holdout, Lincoln, to reach the 60-vote threshold to move forward with the debate. No Republican senator is expected to vote for this initial step.

For more information today's vote, see also:

$100 million vote? Sen. Landrieu announces support of key healthcare vote

Senate healthcare vote expected Saturday