Reid will need at least one Republican vote in order to move the legislation forward, but centrists in that party caution that the Democratic leader’s actions have been divisive and unnecessary.

By Alexander Bolton at The Hill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has deployed unusually tough tactics to pressure Republicans to back Wall Street reform — a move that could shore up his liberal base, but one that GOP centrists say is counterproductive.

Reid will need at least one Republican vote in order to move the legislation forward, but centrists in that party caution that the Democratic leader’s actions have been divisive and unnecessary.

However, liberals who criticized Reid during the healthcare debate are applauding his strong stance on Wall Street reform.

Political experts in Nevada say this is crucial for Reid, who faces a difficult reelection campaign, because his political future depends on energizing and mobilizing the Democratic base in his home state.

Reid shows no signs of backing down and has even suggested the Senate no longer has any Republicans who could be considered moderate.

On Tuesday, Republicans voted to defeat a motion to begin debate on Wall Street reform legislation.

It was the second time in two days that Reid scheduled a vote on the matter, and he plans a third vote on Wednesday and a fourth on Thursday, according to a Democratic aide.

Reid also scheduled a vote Monday evening, during the dinner hour, to force senators to show up on the chamber floor, a move that was seen as punishment for Republicans voting to block the Wall Street bill earlier in the day.

FULL STORY

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