On this Saturday while most Americans are distracted, enjoying a day off with friends and family, Senate Democrats are scrambling to get the last vote they need to push Obamacare over the next legislative hurdle. While tonight's scheduled vote can only move the 2,074 page bill to the Senate floor for debate, it will be a test of the Democrats' party unity for this and future votes.

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This afternoon's announcement by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) that she will vote with her party gives Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) 59 of the 60 votes he needs to proceed. The one potential yes vote remaining is Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) who at this moment is deciding between the bill and her own political future.

Senator Lincoln is well aware that 67 percent of Arkansans oppose the government option contained in the current Senate bill and she herself has stated just a few months ago that "The government can't afford a fully-funded program." (source) Facing a tough re-election battle next year, Senator Lincoln will no doubt lose votes if she votes for the bill this evening.

While 60 yes voted tonight will not make Obamacare law, it will bring us one step closer to a form of health care reform that the majority of the American people oppose. Of course a defeat for the president and his party tonight would be a humiliating disaster which explains why they've scheduled this act of political theater for a Saturday night when most Americans are not paying attention. Can we expect more legislative maneuvers on Christmas Eve?

UPDATE: Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas said she would stand with her party and vote yes on the test vote despite deep reservations with elements of the bill. (source)