WASHINGTON - The Democrats' control of a hefty majority in the Senate -- plus the House -- would suggest that President Barack Obama is within reach of overhauling the nation's health care system this fall.
But the numbers mask a more complicated reality: Obama and Democratic leaders have modest leverage over several pivotal Senate Democrats who are more concerned about their next election or feel they have little to lose by opposing their party's hierarchy.
One is still smarting from being forced to abandon next year's election. Another had to leave the Democratic Party to stay in office. And some are from states that Obama lost badly last year.
These factors will limit the president's ability to play his strongest card -- an appeal for party loyalty and Democratic achievement -- in trying to muster the 60 votes his allies will need this fall to overcome a Republican filibuster in the 100-member Senate.
SOURCE: Fox News
