Ensign also has the John Edwards problem.  Given that his state is now leaning D, he can't pull a Biden/Lieberman/Paul/Kucinich.  He would have to give up his seat to run for President.

... is that this is good news for John McCain.

Wrong thread, of course.

This will push the Republican nominee even further right.  Grab your popcorn, folks.

To clarify, I meant that he probably won't be seated any time soon.

Lynch doesn't appoint anyone.  The NH lege, which is reliably Dem, quickly passes special election legislation.  Then, Hodes wins.  

While a special election would take time, it doesn't look like Franken's going to be seated anyways.  As long as Franken's not there, we're still one vote away from cloture (whether #99 is vacant or a Dem), since 2/3 of 98 is 59.

So we get #60 who isn't a Lieberdem, we get props for bipartisanship and process, and Lynch preserves his moderate image.  At worst, a Republican more moderate than Gregg (like Sununu) manages a win, and then we get another whack at him in two years.

Given the map, how do we lose Senate seats in two years?  I don't see it.

Hodes vs. Sununu?  Who wins that election?

Besides, Snowe is more moderate than Gregg, and likely to retire next election.  Better to keep her in the Senate.

It's mostly a patronage machine, sort of what the postmaster general used to be.  I dare you to name a Clinton Commerce Secretary from memory.

As for resigning in protest, Obama has already laid out the bulk of his agenda.  If Gregg disagrees over the stimulus or universal health care or cap and trade, he'd have absolutely no credibility.  And after handing the Dems a filibuster-proof majority (which is pretty invaluable, frankly), he'd have no support from the right wing noise machine.

If Obama somehow manages to pull this off, shit, we get everything.  We can do whatever the hell we want for the next four years, at least.

Got one for Noriega/Skelly.

I was skeptical about this race due to the original cash disparity.  But wow.

I want to see how McConnell's finances look like right now.

McCain has the WH, but we have Congress.  They can't negotiate unilaterally.  If there's inside info, Pelosi and Reid are in on it.  So Obama's in on it.

Only way McCain can come out looking good on this is if he gets his name on it.  Which our guys won't let happen.

... gives Hagen a 6 point lead, and McCain a 3 point lead, confirming PPP.  I'll take that...