Several conservative pundits, most notably Fred Barnes, in a recent Wall Street Journal, post-election editorial, have opined that control of the Senate won't necessarily be in Harry Reid's hands for the next two years.
With this month's election already in the rear view mirror, these pundits are already looking forward to November, 2012, when something like twice as many Democratic Senators are up for election, relative to only about 12 Republicans.
With so many Democrats at risk, and the potential for the Tea Party-inspired conservative pressure on spending and reversing liberal social legislation and regulation, these observers contend that perhaps as many as half of these Democrats in the Senate will want to appear more moderate, if not conservative. This could mean surprising majorities for Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Even if a few Northeast liberal Republicans (Snowe, Collins) defect, they could be more than replaced by ten Democratic Senators suddenly allying themselves with McConnell's agenda, at least in some cases.
Should make for an interesting next two years, as House GOP control could occasionally be joined by occasional Senate GOP control, as well.
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2 comments:
Dear C,
I would not get excited waiting for a 'blue dog' demo to actualy vote against his party. Remember Stupak?
But will Harry be an effective leader now? Like you, I doubt it.
Brad-
This is the Senate. The blue dogs were House Democrats.
Yes, I actually do expect a few Democratic Senators to alter their voting patterns in order to keep their jobs.
-CN
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