A Republican proposal to stimulate the economy through tax breaks failed to reach the cloture threshold by just 3 votes in a Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate this evening. Many Democrats — including some you would not expect — broke ranks with Barack Obama and Harry Reid to support the Republican-crafted bill.

Among those who sided with Republicans on the bill include:

• Michael Bennet of Colorado
• Al Franken of Minnesota
• Kay Hagen of North Carolina
• Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
• Joe Manchin of West Virginia
• Claire McCaskill of Missouri
• Robert Menendez of New Jersey
• Ben Nelson of Nebraska
• Bill Nelson of Florida
• Jon Tester of Montana

Most of these senators still voted with the White House on the unfunded Stimulus 2.0 legislation, which relies on the same old failed tax-and-spend policies that have left is with 9% unemployment and a $1.65 trillion deficit.

But, and this is crucial, ten Senate Democrats broke with their own party and supported Republican legislation to stimulate the economy through tax breaks — a proven method to create jobs and get the country back on track.

We’re making progress. Keep up the good work. Keep pressuring members of Congress to oppose failed tax-and-spend policies and to support proven, free market solutions. It’s starting to have an impact.