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Senate Democrats are considering a vote in the lame-duck session to force approval of TransCanada Corp. (TRP)s Keystone XL pipeline, a party aide said, a move that may bolster Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieus re-election chances.

Similar measures have failed to advance in the Senate this year and Senate leaders will have trouble mustering the votes for passage now. President Barack Obama could veto the measure.

The Senate Democratic aide, who requested anonymity to discuss the plans, said specific language for a proposal hadnt been determined.

The purpose of the vote would be symbolic: To highlight Landrieus support for the pipeline, as well as her influence on energy issues in Washington -- a centerpiece of her campaign. Casting a vote in favor of the pipeline may benefit Landrieu in her Dec. 6 runoff election, in which she faces Republican Representative Bill Cassidy.

Congress returns tomorrow for a post-election session.

Landrieu, 58, chairwoman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in her campaign has sought to distance herself from Obama on energy issues, including his delay in approving the pipeline. She has backed the pipeline project.

Landrieu will face Cassidy, 57, in a run-off after neither won a majority of support from Louisiana voters in the Nov. 4 election. Even if Landrieu is re-elected, she will lose her position as chairwoman of the energy committee when Republicans take control of the Senate in January.

Republicans last week won at least seven seats held by Democrats, giving them the majority for the next session of Congress.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, have said Keystone approval will be a top legislative priority in 2015.

Starting in January, there may be enough Keystone supporters in both chambers of Congress to pass the measure. Yet supporters probably would fall short of the 67 Senate votes needed to overcome a veto by Obama.

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Senate Democrats Said to Consider Keystone Vote Soon