Thread by @burgessev

Uncertainty of Senate control is driving compromise after 8 months of stalemate.

- Republicans think it helps Loeffler and Perdue to pass a bill

-Dems worry this might be their only shot if they lose in Georgia

politico.com/news/2020/12/1…

@AndrewDesiderio
@marianne_levine

@AndrewDesiderio @marianne_levine “Whatever the calculation before Nov. 3, the calculation before Jan. 5 appears to be, on both sides, that a Covid relief bill is the right thing to do for the nation and the right thing to do politically,” said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

@AndrewDesiderio @marianne_levine McConnell arguing to reluctant GOP that new round of checks is demanded by Trump and will help in Ga.

“Both Kelly and David benefit from getting this over the finish line,” says Sen. Braun

Moreover, Rs are trying to prove that it won't be total gridlock if they control Senate

@AndrewDesiderio @marianne_levine Democrats “are arguing that the president-elect needs some partners to advance his progressive agenda. If we can demonstrate through passage of this Covid package that we can work together in ... divided government, that seems to defeat their argument,” said NRSC Chair Young

@AndrewDesiderio @marianne_levine Dems say despite their wishes, getting a GOP Senate to budge next year under Biden as president is tough. That's why they are dropping their demands significantly with Georgia uphill

“If you’re interested in more relief, the choice is super clear in Georgia,” said Sen. Murphy

@AndrewDesiderio @marianne_levine Rs aren't really hiding that they're not totally committed to another one early next year

Sen. Thune: "If we address the critical needs right now and things improve next year as the vaccine gets out there and the economy starts to pick up again there may be less of a need.”