Craig's Seat is Least of GOP Worries

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/09/craigs_seat_is_least_of_gop_wo.html

September 13, 2007
Craig's Seat is Least of GOP Worries
By Carl Leubsdorf

For all the recent focus on Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's future, the more significant political developments were the announced retirements of Virginia Sen. John Warner and Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel.

Mr. Craig's possible departure probably won't change the landscape much since his appointed successor and next year's elected one are both likely to be Republicans.

But the other two retirements increase the probability that Democrats will not only keep the Senate next year but add to their tenuous 51-49 majority.

More importantly, it now seems possible that the next president will face close to a filibuster-proof 60-senator coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans.

That could give a Democratic president a virtual working majority, at least on domestic issues, assuming that president reached some across party lines. It could also hamper a Republican president with a conservative agenda.

Besides, the next president will likely have a Democratic House.

Next year's Senate races were always going to be tough for the GOP, with 22 Republican seats up for election and just 12 Democratic ones. But in recent weeks the numbers have gotten worse.

[AX10]

1. The House will remain Democratic, we won't lose any seats...

but gains depend on how well the Presidential nominee does. We could gain 10-25 seats in the House if not more. We could get 60 seats in the Senate.

[Olney Blue]

2. Did he leave his seat up?

[roguevalley]

3. every single 'moderate republican' needs to go.