Their votes helped deliver President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Now, dozens of Democrats are politically imperiled in a contentious environment where emotions are raw and likely to remain so.
Obama plans to use his political heft—and the momentum of victory—to try to prop up lawmakers who stuck with him during the final days that turned the controversial legislation into the law of the land.
They may need more help he can give them.
Obama promised wavering Democrats, primarily moderates in conservative-leaning districts and states, that they wouldn't be left standing alone if they cast the tough "yes" votes.
In all, 17 Democrats who sided with Obama are seeking re-election in districts that Republican presidential candidate John McCain won in 2008.
They include top GOP targets Perriello in Virginia, Betsey Markey in Colorado, Harry Mitchell in Arizona and Suzanne Kosmas in Florida.
One other moderate Democrat now running for the Senate—Brad Ellsworth in Indiana—voted for the measure, too. He's facing a difficult race in a right-tilting state as Democrats seek to hang onto the seat now held by retiring Sen. Evan Bayh.
The big question is - can Obama save their House and Senate seats?
More here.
A picture of my cave
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