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Senate Democrats are working on plans to hold a vote authorizing construction of the Keystone XL pipeline -- approval that Democrats believe might bolster the chances of Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who faces a tough runoff election next month.

It was not immediately clear Tuesday night whether Republicans would consent to proceeding with such a vote during the lame-duck session that begins on Wednesday -- especially given the high stakes surrounding Landrieu's reelection race. Such a move would also draw howls from the environmental movement who had hoped that President Obama wouldresolve a years-long dispute over a long-awaited energy project in their favor.

SeveralSenate Democratic aides confirmed on Tuesday evening that talks are underway to allow for a vote authorizing construction of the pipeline in the coming days. The aides, who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said that details on language of the bill authorizing and its timing were not yet settled, but likely would be among the topics of conversation as Congress reconvenes Wednesday.

Landrieu isexpected to make a formal announcement of plans to hold a vote later Tuesday or on Wednesday, the aides said.

Landrieu faces Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in a Dec. 6 runoff to determine who will take the last remaining Senate seat still up for grabs.Throughout her campaign, she has touted her chairmanship of the Senate Energy Committee and her strong support of her state's energy industry as one of the reasons why Louisianans should reelect her. But ever since Republicans retook control of the Senate, Cassidy and his allies have emphasized that Landrieu's clout no longer matters now that the GOP is poised to control the Senate next year.

And just because Democrats plan to hold a vote doesn't guarantee that the plan will succeed: Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) attempted to hold a vote earlier this year to authorize construction of the pipeline, but Republicans blocked it as they sought votes on unrelated matters.

Citing that failed attempt to hold a vote, Brooke Hougesen, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, criticized the Democrats' emerging plans in an e-mail to reporters on Tuesday night.

"They say that when youre in a hole you should stop digging, but Harry Reid hasnt learned his lesson," she wrote. "Democrats tried the same strategy outlined below earlier this year in a failed effort to protect Kay Hagan, Mark Udall, and Mark Pryor from voters in their states. It didnt help them, and it wont help Mary Landrieu."

News of plans to hold a vote was first reported on Tuesday by Bloomberg News.

Obama has made clear he plans to take his time on Keystone -- close advisers oppose the pipeline -- and congressional Democrats have showed little enthusiasm for the pipeline in the past. But the idea has gained steam in recent days in a bid to help Landrieu.

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Wonkblog: Senate Democrats are weighing plan to approve Keystone and save Mary Landrieu