The Senate is likely to vote this week on the confirmation of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke for a second term and there appears to be increasing support for him among lawmakers.
While some lawmakers of both parties have said they'll oppose Bernanke, whose current term expires on Sunday, a plurality said they would support him, but his nomination isn't certain.
A survey by Dow Jones Newswires found 35 senators said they would vote for Bernanke's confirmation while 17 are opposed and the remainder didn't comment.
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The White House has been lobbying hard for Bernanke, especially because in light of several lawmakers putting a hold on the nomination, he needs 60 votes-rather than a simple majority of 51-to be confirmed.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), on Friday announced he'll support Bernanke. He made his decision following a conversation with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel which contained, according to a New York Times account, "some of Mr. Emanuel's characteristic profanity."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) predicted Bernanke would be confirmed but declined to say whether he would vote for him.
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