Senate Democrats fell short in their efforts to extend a ban on offshore shale oil drilling, failing to rally enough votes on a measure Friday that would have extended the ban.
52 Senators voted for the motion to proceed on S. 3604, short of the 60 necessary on the motion to proceed. 42 Senators voted against, and six did not vote.
Six Republicans crossed the aisle on the vote, four of whom–Sens. Susan Collans (Maine), Elizabeth Dole (N.C.), Coleman (Minn.), and Gordon Smith (Ore.)–face tough reelection battles this fall.
Only two Democrats, Sens. Evan Bayh (Ind.) and Claire McCaskill (Mo.), voted against the motion to proceed.
–Michael O’Brien