The Democrat’s pride and joy, an overarching reform of the health care system, passed the Senate yesterday on a 56 to 43 vote. The bill had passed the House earlier in the week, 220 to 207.

Three Democrats–Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska), Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas)–opposed passage in the Senate, all three from the South or Midwest, traditional bastions of conservatism.

The Democratic side has used the last few days to uncork the champagne and pat each other on the back, but their celebrating has been tempered by the unsettling threats of physical violence aimed at some of its members. These threats have been denounced by both major parties, as well as by top Tea Party administrators. Democrats allege that the threats originated from the Tea Partiers.

Republicans, meanwhile, have taken their time to gear up for war; to “repeal and replace” the bill. This, they hope, will come from a GOP takeover in November’s general elections.

For more on health care developments, click here.