Democrats Take Control On Hill (Senator Johnson Update)

Washington Post ^ | 5 January 2007 | Jonathan Weisman and Shailagh Murray

[shrinkermd]

This is a long article but the part most interesting to many Freepers is as follows:

The Senate margin is even more tenuous because Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) is sidelined after emergency brain surgery.

Republican leaders decided not to seek special language spelling out the terms of a transition in case of a power shift -- say, if Johnson vacates his post and his state's GOP governor appoints a Republican to replace him. Under that scenario, power would effectively shift to Republicans, because Cheney would provide the tiebreaking 51st vote. But for Republicans to take parliamentary control, the Senate would have to vote for new organizational rules, a move Democrats could filibuster.

A similar scenario unfolded in January 2001, when a 50-50 Senate convened. In 2001, Democrats demanded a "kick-out clause" in organizing negotiations that would automatically scrap agreements on committee ratios and funding levels and force new organizational rules. But Republicans decided this month against a confrontation that would come from demanding a similar clause.

"Nobody over here talked about that at all," said Don Stewart, spokesman for McConnell.

[Salvey]

I'll guess: McConnell senses that, if the above scenario came to pass, at least one of the Senate's RINOs would do a Jim Jeffords.

Isn't it equally plausible that Joe Lieberman would do a Jeffords?

[El Gato]

A similar scenario unfolded in January 2001, when a 50-50 Senate convened. In 2001, Democrats demanded a "kick-out clause" in organizing negotiations that would automatically scrap agreements on committee ratios and funding levels and force new organizational rules. But Republicans decided this month against a confrontation that would come from demanding a similar clause.

Still playing softball, or maybe tidily winks. You'd think they'd learn, but they don't seem to do so. Too worried about acceptance on the Washington cocktail circuit to care about the future of the nation.

[El Gato]

I'll guess: McConnell senses that, if the above scenario came to pass, at least one of the Senate's RINOs would do a Jim Jeffords.

Sort of preemptive surrender?

[Non-Sequitur]

Isn't it equally plausible that Joe Lieberman would do a Jeffords?

Nope. Lieberman is in line to be the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. If he switched to the GOP he'd be chairman of nothing.

[Bommer]

The $64,000 question is how long does the Senate wait to determine when and or if Johnson can fufill his duties? For all we know, he could be in a Teri Shievo status. I have heard only that he sits up and is alret. Nothing that tells me that he has not suffered brain damage.

[El Gato]

Isn't it equally plausible that Joe Lieberman would do a Jeffords?

Only over one main issue, and that's liable to be decided in the House before it ever gets to the Senate.

[El Gato]

The $64,000 question is how long does the Senate wait to determine when and or if Johnson can fufill his duties?

As long as he is still breathing, even if not on his own, they'll figure he can fulfill the duties of a 'Rat Senator, which is to vote the party line.

[VRWC For Truth]

I've been waiting for Bush to throw a punch at the "Rats for 6 years. Won't happen. A domestic wuss.

[okie01]

Isn't it equally plausible that Joe Lieberman would do a Jeffords?

Joe Lieberman has more integrity than, say, an Arlen Specter.

Besides, with the Democrat majority, Lieberman has plum committee chairmanships -- which he couldn't necessarily duplicate if he switched to the GOP.

Finally, the source of Lieberman's power within the Democrat caucus will be the threat that he might defect. Instead, I'd imagine that he'll vote with the GOP on WOT issues...and, while leveraging his independence, retain his seat in the Democrat caucus.

[EGPWS]

There are other ways to fight, than "in-your-face."

Thank you for your insight PD, it is refreshing.

[EGPWS]

I've been waiting for Bush to throw a punch at the "Rats for 6 years.

This worthless POTUS has done nothing but prove he is "milk toast" and sat in the corner and took the easy way and focused on the WOT.

All this time neglecting the wishes of VRWC.

[EGPWS]

Nothing that tells me that he has not suffered brain damage.

Very astute observation since he has undergone brain surgery.... ; )

[org.whodat]

a proxy voted for him

No proxy voting in senate unless agreed by both parties. But the pubs never called for a vote anyway.

[NittanyLion]

There are other ways to fight, than "in-your-face."

That's true. But I've always wondered how effective the GOPs method (i.e. "cowering the corner") is v. "in your face".

[TitansAFC]

I am already disenfranchised with McConnell.

They could have at least waited a damned month before giving us the middle finger.

So if, as has happened times previous, an appointment gives the GOP the means by which to run the Senate - the GOP has decided not to accept.

Boy, along with the constant judges surrender, let me tell you how excited I am at the prospect of volunteering my time and efforts again in 2008.

This is only really relevant if Johnson passes away. If he does and the GOP allows the Dems to still control the Senate, I will no longer defend any RINOs for the sake of a majority. If they don't want the GOP in majority, why should I?

[chiller]

Here's an example; W is ready to deal on the minimum wage, which is virtually meaningless in practical terms, but the Dems love it for PR reasons. (my only concern is that union salaries are pegged to the minimum wage, so that could ripple through those sectors, but that's about it.)

In return, W will squeeze a tax cut for small businesses, whose benefits far outweigh the negatives of a minimum wage increase, imho.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Senate wait to determine

The Senate doesn't do that!

[upchuck]

"Nobody over here talked about that at all," said Don Stewart, spokesman for McConnell.

Okay Mitch, you're "oh" and one.

Side comment: Is it just me? I'm thinking the Senate needs some SERIOUS adjustment.

[okie01]

In return, W will squeeze a tax cut for small businesses, whose benefits far outweigh the negatives of a minimum wage increase, imho.

I certainly hope there is some kind of quid pro quo for the symbolic -- but largely meaningless -- increase in the federal minimum wage. I'm not certain that there will be.

But why couldn't such a beneficial outcome have occurred when the Congress was still GOP?

No leadership? No imagination?

[California Patriot]

More mush from the wimps. I thought McConnell would be a significant improvement on Frist. And he still might be. But this is not encouraging.