A controversial push to change the state's gas tax, and quickly, failed in the House today - but backers say the day isn't over.

The vote was one of the closest of the session, and no one seemed to know where it would fall until lawmakers lit up the board.

In favor were 19 lawmakers, including 15 Republicans and four Democrats. Chiming in against the gas tax change (SB 305) were 14 Democrats and seven Republicans.

Already, there's talk among lawmakers gathered in the second floor halls of a motion to rescind. With about seven hours remaining in this legislative session, it's too late for lawmakers to ask for reconsideration of a vote. If successfully made by a majority, the motion would void the first vote and set the stage for a fresh tally.

Bill backers have spent the last hour or so trying to convince their colleagues opposing the bill to re-evaluate the position, and the House is about to come back in and, possibly, take the subject back up. Reps. Mike Hawker, R-Anchorage, and Les Gara, D-Anchorage -known for dramatically divergent views on just about everything - are together on this one, supporting the gas tax change. Surprised eyes watched as the two left a hall bench where they'd been deep in conversation, and head as one in search of House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski.

Rep. John Harris, R-Valdez, said he won't be changing his mind - and he cast his vote against the so-called decoupling bill. In part, he wants to back up the administration as the state heads into a gas pipeline open season May 1, and believes the gas tax bill could put the state at a disadvantage. "I don't want to cut the knees out from under them," he said.

Rep. Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, said he trusts the administration's position that a tax change isn't necessary. "I would be very hesitant to defy them," he said.

A couple of senators lodged their full weight behind the gas tax bill, saying it would ensure Alaska realizes some financial gain once natural gas starts to flow through a large-diameter pipeline. Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka and powerful Finance Committee co-chairman, raised the issue and has lobbied hard for action.

Click  here for the vote breakdown in the House.