Too risky, Dems punt on tax vote

In the end, Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats decided it was too risky to call for a high stakes tax vote they couldn't be sure to win in advance of crucial elections, Politico reports tonight.

The newspaper/website dissects the Democrats' thinking in the decision to put off debate until after Election Day on extending the Bush-era tax breaks for the middle class.

Reid had told reporters this week he was "working hard for a vote," but Politico reports that his committee chairman urged caution.

Reid "found himself warned away from proceeding unless he was convinced he would have the 60 votes to break a Republican filibuster," it said.

“We will come back in November and stay in session as long as it takes to get this done,” Reid spokesman Jim Manley said in acknowledging the new strategy.

The Democrats are gambling now against a Republican takeover on Election Day.

"If Republicans should win power in the elections, there’s no certainty that they will allow Democrats to try again during the lame-duck session," according to Politico. "Instead, GOP tax writers could insist on waiting until January, when their new members are able to vote and control the outcome more."