Senate Democrats on Wednesday forced two votes they knew they’d lose on their election bills and the filibuster – breaking a rule often followed by legislators, especially House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to never call a vote you don’t know you’ll win.
The votes mark yet another political loss for President Biden and Democrats. They highlighted the internal divisions among Democrats over the filibuster. And they forced vulnerable Democrats up for reelection to cast a vote Republicans are already attacking them for.
But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his colleagues say they have no regrets over the effort, which they say was not only the right thing to do, but could also help them in the midterms.
“We lost the vote. But to have not voted would have been a far greater loss,” Schumer said Thursday. “We know history is on the side of voting rights, and we know that forcing leaders to take stands will ultimately move the ball forward.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., responds to questions from reporters during a press conference regarding the Democratic party’s shift to focus on voting rights at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who caucuses with Democrats, said in a CNN op-ed Thursday the best way to grow the Democratic ranks is by taking votes like the ones Schumer called Wednesday.
“Democrats will not win in 2022 with a demoralized base. There must be energy and excitement. Today, in these difficult times, the American people want to know that their elected officials have the courage to take on the powerful special interests and fight for their needs,” Sanders said.
He added: “And, when we do that, the fundamental differences between the two parties will become crystal clear. That’s how you win elections.”
Fox News’ Jason Donner contributed to this report.
Tyler Olson is a Capitol Hill Producer for Fox News in Washington, D.C.
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