Environmental groups became alarmed that the plan, first proposed by the Clinton administration, would be compromised, and key Republicans began pressuring the administration.
But several key Republicans are dead set against the idea.
His first goal: to soften up a few key Republicans after the Senate gets back from its recess.
Late last year he had key Republicans up to the White House to talk about the war.
Sure, key Republicans have signed on to the deal.
Here is where the issues divide key Republicans and conservatives.
In February with their reduced majority, key Republicans admitted that would not be able to pass the bill again, even in the House.
Many key Republicans were calling for him to be dropped from the ticket.
At that point, key Republicans were speaking with near-unanimity about the nation's economic problems.
The revolt by a few key Republicans served notice that their limits of embarrassment had been reached.