Dean Heller of Nevada and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire all but extinguishing the hope of supporters.

WSJ: Background-Check Gun Measure Fails in the Senate

The idea was quickly adopted by Republican Dean Heller in the Senate and Democrat Jim Cooper in the House.

CNN: 'No Budget, No Pay' is no-brainer

Dean Heller, Nevada's secretary of state, wants to instill that same degree of confidence in the state's electronic voting machines.

CNN: Nevada improves odds with e-vote

Nevada GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval recently appointed fellow Republican Dean Heller to serve the remainder of Ensign's term, which expires in January 2013.

CNN: Senate committee refers Ensign case to Justice Department

Only one Republican senator, Dean Heller of Nevada, who is in a tight re-election race against Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley, spoke on the floor against the bill.

CNN: Senate Republicans block pay equity bill