We don't need to worry about Democrats having 50 U.S. senators. I think that Republicans will gain seats in FL, MN, and NE and that the Democrats will gain a seat in PA. In VT, an independent, Sanders, will replace an independent, Jeffords. Therefore, in 2007, the Senate will have 57 Republicans, 42 Democrats, and an independent.
Maybe you feel 2006 Republican Senate gains in the air tonight, but after Hurricane Katrina, we have a land of confusion and an environment in which the Democrats smell blood and the Bush six year itch will kick in. The Democrats could turn it on again and get to 50 if the tide sweeps with them. Putting up Stephen Laffey and Katherine Harris is throwing it all away, but the Republicans are in too deep running conservatives in races that call for a RINO. Election Day 2006 won't be one more night of Republican election gains and it would be against all odds for the Republicans to make gains the 6th yr into Bush's presidency.