51?: And the Lieberman Factor

Barring a bag a ballots materializing, or a drawn out court battle that would take away the will of the people, the US Senate will flip to Dem control as well, 51 - 49.

Both Montana and Virginia are yet to be projected. But the several thousand vote leads the Left leaning candidates enjoy should hold.

I say, not so fast, there IS the Lieberman factor. I have been a Lieberman supporter for quite sometime. I supported him during the 2004 Democratic Primary process, and during this year's CT Senate Primary. Once he lost, I felt somewhat betrayed he chose not respect the decision of the constituency within his party, and become an Independent. This makes me nervous. It wouldn't be the first time a Senator left the major party to claim Independence, and inevitably caucus with the opposition. Joe pledged to caucus with the Dems, and I only hope he honors that pledge. Regardless of what he does, there is a Chairmanship for him.

But there is another scenario that is even more intriguing, and that has to do with the future of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. President Bush seems to have as much power in determining the balance of the US Senate as Cheney would if it were 50-50. With the tumult that has surrounded Rummy, culminating over the last several weeks, The President has a Win-Win option before him. Fire Rummy (or accept his resignation, same difference) and appointment Joementum to the post. This allows for the GOP Governor to appoint the replacement, and what do you know, 50-50 and Cheney breaks the tie.

The Left needed a Lieberman proof majority to prevent themselves from spinning wheels on the ice. I hope there are some deep and sincere talk going on in the 'new' Senate majority, or it will be over before it even begins.

But that's just me!

Flash

Conferences tonight, which is why I was fortunate to have the morning off. I need to get to work, but may check in over the dinner hour to see what you'all are up to,