That doesn't worry opponents overmuch, namely the GOP's Mitch McConnell, who has promised to filibuster the bill to death unless McCain can scare up eight more converts. "McConnell's always said that this issue has never decided an election," says Carney, "and indeed there's no evidence that the public really cares about it."
The real test of that won't be until November. "Barring a miracle, it's not going to happen this year," says Carney. "But Democratic challengers will be hammering away on the issue from the day they start campaigning. And in some states, it just might stick."