As the full Senate readies to debate and vote on legislation that would grant the District a voting seat in the House of Representatives, voting rights activists are focusing on two key senators — Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.).

According to people close to the lobbying effort, the legislation has garnered enough votes for a simple majority, but is still short of the votes needed to prevent a filibuster. And while a number of senators have been targeted — among them Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.) — both Webb and Specter are seen as most likely to side with the legislation. Once the necessary votes are secured, the legislation will be brought to a vote, hopefully around mid- or late-July.

We’re somewhat miffed that neither Webb nor Specter have yet committed to vote in favor of the legislation. Webb hails from the very part of Virginia that spawned Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), the legislation’s co-author and strongest backer. Both senators are ideological moderates, and the legislation is carefully balanced not to favor one political party over another (Utah will get an additional seat as an offset to the Democratic-leaning District) and to allow for an expedited constitutional review of the legislation before the courts. Moreover, the version to be debated by the Senate includes a provision forbidding the District from gaining a Senate seat through legislation — thus putting to rest any concern that next on the agenda are two Democratic senators from D.C. It goes without saying that the principle alone should sway them, but if it doesn’t, then the compromises made to move the legislation forward should.

If you’d like to let Webb or Specter know what you think — especially if you’re one of their constituents — feel free to give them a call. Webb can be reached at (202) 224-4024 and Specter at (202) 224-4254. If you’re more the writing kind, email Specter’s Chief of Staff Scott Hoeflich at scott_hoeflich (at) specter (dot) senate (dot) gov or Webb’s Chief of Staff Paul J. Reagan at paul_reagan (at) webb (dot) senate (dot) gov.