By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
The New York Times
11/23/2009
When Senate Democratic leaders first went behind closed doors to complete the health care legislation, the only women in the room were either committee staff members or officials from the White House. The senators there — Harry Reid of Nevada, Max Baucus of Montana and Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut — reflected the Senate’s predominant history as an old-boys’ club.
But to move the bill forward for full debate, the Democrats’ last two crucial votes came from women: Senators Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas.
And when it comes time for the final consideration of the bill, two other women may cast similarly crucial votes: Senators Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe, Maine Republicans who are expected to be courted heavily by Democrats and the White House.
Controversial issues in the Senate often do not get resolved until a bipartisan “gang” is formed to strike a deal. And as the health care debate heads into the final stretch, there is the possibility of this women’s Gang of Four calling the shots.
If it happened, it would reflect women’s rising power in the Senate more generally.
Of the 17 women in the Senate, 13 are Democrats…
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