agreed, especially how quickly it came together and how hard the Dem establishment came down on it. I hope that this is the seed for a strongly bi-partisan group of legislators concerned about civil liberties.
Republicans: 94 yea, 134 nay (41% in favor)
Democrats: 111 yea, 83 nay (57% in favor)
I had looked when I posted my comment so I could link it along with the numbers, but 25 mins ago it wasn't up yet.
Source: knew a couple of people who had worked as aides to congresscritters
"Rotating Villains strike again: Just enough liberals inexplicably voted no on NSA restrictions to make it the way Obama wanted."
Sad that this was my first thought.
There was some great coverage of this on the BBC[1] earlier today, before the result was known:
(Quotation begins)
However, the White House said the measure would deprive the intelligence agencies of a key tool in preventing terror attacks.
"This blunt approach is not the product of an informed, open or deliberative process," said spokesman Jay Carney.
(Quotation ends)
[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23430126 (emphasis added)