He needs at least 7 Republicans to cross the aisle.
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If Sen. Harry Reid’s plan is to pass in the Senate, it will need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster—but what Republicans will cross the aisle and vote with him? He will need at least seven Republican votes, as he currently has only 51 Democrats and two independents that caucus with him. Four Republicans, including Scott Brown and Lisa Murkowski, refused to sign a letter voicing opposition to Reid’s bill, so they are considered possiblities. Other senators who could cross the aisle: Mark Kirk of Illinois, Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Texas, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Bob Corker of Tennessee, John McCain of Arizona, Charles Grassley of Iowa, and Richard Lugar of Indiana.
