could the loomingshutdown compel mcconnell from allowing this vote. >> reporter: it could, but that's been an issue and mcconnell says it's not happening. his deputy says it will likely happen. we'll see as that vote is cheduled for today. what maypel him even more is the fact that one outgoing republican, jeff flake, said he will block president trump's judicial nominees if this vote does not happen. >> tracie, turning now to that mississippi state runoff republican senator cindy hyde-smith has won. what does it say about the democrat's chances in a republican strong hold. >> it was a big trump win and now they are sending their first awoman to congress aft race that had a lot of racial eoertones. remember that v of her talking about being willing to attend a public lynchi, and ill she was elected over mike espy. espy says this is the beginning, not the end. >> tracie potn the hill for us this morning. thank you. >>> today thecu democratic c is expected to nominate a candidate for house speaker. th comes as democrats prepare to take back the control of the house in january following