Kerry eyes lame duck climate fight

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is suggesting a climate change bill could have better prospects in a lame-duck session.

Kerry made the comments to Bloomberg as the Senate abandoned plans to move on climate change legislation before the August break. The decision is expected to prevent a vote on the matter this year, though Kerry is still offering hope.

“I have to tell you, this is not dead. We are going to continue to work. It may well be that after the election — if that is what happens — I mean, we will continue to try over the next weeks, but if it is after the election, it may well be that some members are free and liberated and feeling that they can take a risk or do something. Or, you know, the whole political landscape may have changed in some way,” Kerry said Thursday in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital With Al Hunt” that will be broadcast this weekend.

Kerry told the Bloomberg news service that he would continue seeking votes, and said the climate bill’s prospects could improve after the midterm elections.

Kerry also said that President Obama should promote the measure. “I think it is important for him to weigh in with some colleagues, to even to go to some of the difficult states at the right moment and talk to people about why this is important for America,” Kerry said.