US Sen. Brown set to cast key vote on tax measures

BOSTON (AP) -- Republican Sen. Scott Brown is set to cast a key vote in what could be a showdown between rival Democratic and Republican plans for extending tax cuts set to end in January.

The $250 billion Democratic plan bill up for debate Wednesday would continue tax cuts through 2013 for everyone but individuals who earn at least $200,000 yearly and couples making $250,000 while a $405 billion GOP measure would continue tax cuts for everyone, including the highest earners.

Brown has said raising taxes is a bad idea when the economy is on the brink of a double-dip recession.

He has also criticized his Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren, who has said she would back higher taxes for oil companies and would let tax hikes for the highest earning Americans expire.