'Perfect storm' could give Dems 'magic 60' in Senate

[NeoConsSuck]

Source: CNN.COM

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In the face of an economy in crisis and a deeply unpopular president, some analysts believe the situation is ripe to give Democrats a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority in the Senate in November.

It's "the perfect storm," said Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report. "You've got Republican voters angry at Republicans, many Americans just petrified about the future...wanting change. And right now change appears to be coming in the form of Democrats."

Of the 35 Senate seats on the line this year, 23 are held by Republicans. Five Republican senators are retiring: Pete Domenici of New Mexico, Wayne Allard of Colorado, John Warner of Virginia, Larry Craig of Idaho and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska.

Democrats control the Senate. Although it's split evenly with 49 Democrats and 49 Republicans, two independents -- Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut -- caucus with the Democrats.

Winning a filibuster-proof majority of 60 Senate seats, commonly called the "magic 60," would virtually prevent Republicans from blocking legislation on the Senate floor.



Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/08/senate.election/index.html

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One question: Is LIEberman a member of the 60? If so, we'll need 61.

[Donnachaidh]

1. Joe Lieberman? The schmuck John McCain refers to like a LOVER?

He's NO friend to Democrats. Not at ALL.

[wryter2000]

2. I may swoon

Although, you're right, if we need Lieberman, that sours it. I hate for that bastard to hold power over us for a minute more than absolutely necessary.

[gatorboy]

3. Heh!

:thumbsup:

[zbdent]

4. Someone should present Lieberman a stick ...

with something very smelly on the Lieberman end ...

[VoodooGuru]

5. He is. I suspect he will come crawling back like a supplicant after the election

And you know they'll let him keep caucusing with the Democrats. He'll suffer, but not as much as he'll suffer if he actually switched parties and officially became a Republican.

[chelsea0011]

10. I agree. Even if dems don't reach the 60, LIEberman is at risk

of losing his majority seat at Homeland Security (is that the correct name?). He will become a forgotten member and the Republicans could care less about him.

[HopeHoops]

6. Yeah, Grima Wormtongue returns to the Senate

[TankLV]

7. From this news to god's ears...

I hope and pray...

[Truth2Tell]

8. Here's how I called it 4 months ago

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Truth2Tell/125

And I stand by that.

[dflprincess]

9. I wonder what their excuse not to do anything will be then?

Sorry, feeling very cynical tonight.

[OakCliffDem]

11. And wouldn't that make the first three Supreme Court Appointments sweet!

No having to find someone who is 'acceptable' to the conservative pukes. We can appoint the most Liberal Justices around and push the court back to being Liberal where it belongs.

I can hear the NeoCons screaming now. "They are packing the court." Let 'em scream. FVGK 'em.