(AP) -- Democrats are set to pick up a crucial vote in the Senate as 36 year old Carte Goodwin becomes the youngest Senator when he takes the oath of office tomorrow to succeed the longest serving one.
Goodwin succeeds the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia.
West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller says Goodwin will be the vote Democrats have been lacking in their bid to break a Republican filibuster and pass an extension of jobless benefits.
The legislation is scheduled for a vote just a few minutes after Goodwin is sworn in.
Republicans have opposed the extension because Democrats don't include a way to cover the cost.
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