Inside the crucial vote on the point of order on the budget...disgusting!

[flpoljunkie]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11258-2003Nov24.html

The bill's path to passage was cleared in the Senate on a pair of procedural votes, one entirely predictable, the other suspenseful to the end.

First, on a roll call of 70-29, 10 more than needed, the Senate voted to limit debate. A few hours later, Daschle failed in a final attempt to halt the bill's progress by invoking arcane budget rules. The vote was 61-39, one more than the 60 that supporters needed. For several minutes before the gavel fell, the tally stood frozen at 58-39, three votes not yet cast, neither side certain of victory.

Finally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., cast his lot with the GOP leadership. Then Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., did, too. Seeing that Republicans had provided the 60th vote needed, Sen. Ron Wyden. D-Ore., then gave the bill a 61st.

Lott, a former Senate majority leader who is expected to vote against the bill on final passage, brushed past reporters afterward without commenting. Another pivotal Republican, Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., gave his vote to Frist and the GOP leadership after winning assurances that Providence wouldn't be picked for the program of direct competition, according to officials.