In what is perhaps one of the more politically cynical moves one might imagine during the upcoming lame duck session of congress, Senate Democrats are considering moving forward on a vote on the Keystone pipeline as a means of propping up Mary Landrieu in what most anticipate will be her losing effort to keep her seat in the Senate.

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 Landrieu’s 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.

While most assume the vote would be symbolic, if they do manage enough votes to pass it with a majority of Republicans supporting it, it may also be an attempt to prevent the GOP having it as an issue when the new congress convenes. That’s assuming Obama doesn’t veto it, should it pass,