WASHINGTON (MCT) — In a political gamble that will reverberate through the November campaigns, the Senate approved President Barack Obama’s plan to give tax breaks to all but the top 2 percent of American taxpayers over the objection of Republicans.

Democrats believe Wednesday’s action will shift the debate in a Congress that has been stalemated by partisan inaction, giving momentum to Obama’s proposal — and drawing a contrast with Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate — by sending it to the GOP-led House. The Senate approved the measure 51-48, with two Democrats joining the solid Republican opposition.