Senate rejects cutting war funds

WASHINGTON – The Senate blocked legislation Thursday that would have cut off money for combat in Iraq by June.

It was a predictable defeat for Democrats struggling to pass less divisive anti-war measures.

The 28-70 vote was 32 short of the 60 needed to cut off a GOP filibuster.

The legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Russ Feingold, was indicative of the Democratic leadership’s new strategy.

Unable to attract enough Republican support on milder proposals, Reid has sought votes on measures intended to force a withdrawal of troops.

The outcome was not a surprise.

In May, the Senate rejected a similar proposal by Reid and Feingold by a 29-67 vote.

Voting for the measure were Democratic presidential contenders Hillary Rodham Clinton, of New York, Barack Obama, of Illinois, and Christopher Dodd, of Connecticut. A fourth candidate, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., did not vote.