Climate change update

The House has just started debating the climate change bill.  They've allotted about three hours of debate for the issue.  A final vote is expected about around 4:45pm-515pm EST. (We'll have live coverage tonight)   Republicans have decided against any "antics" to try to show the bill today.   "We're playing it straight,"  said a senior Republican aide.  "Either way it's a win-win for us.  Either she (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) doesn't have the votes and she has egg on her face or it passes and we let our friends across the street do their job."

The "friends across the street" reference is the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee (NRCC) which is prepping a full-fledged ad campaign against moderate and conservative Democrats from swing districts who back the bill.

According to our senior producer on the Hill, there is a lot of "whipping" going on --Democrats are trying desperately to get this bill across the finish line.  But, when asked about whether she had the votes, Speaker Pelosi would not answer about an hour ago.  At least one conservative Democrat has now told Fox he is a firm "no".   The Democratic leadership is signaling that they are still working lawmakers..  at this hour -- DEVELOPING.

We'll have the very latest on Special Report at 6pm EST.

UPDATE:  Two conservative Dems are firm no's now..   one of them Rep. John Salazar (D-CO) was even whipped by his brother Interior Sec. Ken Salazar.. but he's still a no.

FURTHER UPDATE:  House Majority Whip = Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) --asked about the vote count on the climate change bill just said "We aren't there yet."  As the chief Democatic vote counter, Clyburn said "we have 218-217 votes".  If that IS the case, the Dems would be right on the threshold of getting the bill passed.  There are currently 434 members in the House.. with one vacancy.  218 would be a win..  217 would be a tie.. all ties in the House lose.   Clyburn left lingering doubts about the vote count.. saying "if at first you don't succeed, try try again."