Redstate - Democrat Senators Looking For Ways Out By: Doverspa · Section: Democrats
It seems that once the realization dawned on Democratic senators that they are destined to be in the minority for 4 years if they are lucky or more likely for over a decade they updated their resumes and started looking for other jobs. Our preview of the 2006 races looks good for Republicans. The National Review's outlook echoed our view. At the least, it seems almost impossible for Democrats to pick up the 6 seats they need to garner a majority. Well, it's not fun being in the minority and that means it's time to find another job. Lets look at what some Democrats are looking at:
First, the would be governors.
Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ) is almost a lock to run for shamed former Gov. McGreevey's (D) governorship. According to the Christian Science Monitor, "the most likely prospect to jump ship is Sen. Jon Corzine (D) of New Jersey. The resignation of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey (D) this week could draw Senator Corzine into a run as early as 2005."
Also looking toward the governor mansion is Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CN). The CS Monitor also reports that "Aides to four-term Sen. Christopher Dodd (D) of Connecticut - who backed off a possible challenge to Reid for the leadership post - say he has not ruled out a run for governor in 2006."
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has announced that he won't run for governor in New York. Since he was recently named DSCC chair, he's probably telling the truth... this time round.
Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) may run for governor as she did unsuccessfully in 1990. She hasn't mentioned it, but California activists want to see her take on Governor Schwarzenegger.
Second, those who are looking to get out of the way of the liberal trainwreck.
Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) is rumored to be in the running for Secretary of Agriculture. His moderate, agriculture-state background would be a good bipartisan appointment. And it would have the added benefit of letting the Republican governor appoint his replacement, shifting the Senate to 56-43-1. If he isn't chosen, Senator Nelson may flip parties before his re-election bid in 2006 to avoid a tough race and to join the majority.
Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CN) would also be open to a cabinet position in the administration. Although State would have been the best place for him, so this is unlikely to happen now.
Third, those who want to be President so bad they are happy to give up their Senate seat (unlike Senator Kerry).
Senator Hillay Clinton (D-NY) tops this list without any needed explanation.
Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) also seem to have an eye on the White House. There is much more incentive now to bolt for White House bid since languishing in the minority has few payoffs.
Thus, it seems the Democrats are going to lose some of their Senate faces in the near future. This doesn't even mention the aging members such as Robert Byrd (D-WV), 88, or Ted Kennedy (D-MA), 72, among several others over 70 years old.
Think about it: There are about 25 Republican strongholds to about 15 Democratic strongholds with 10 swing states which would lead to a 60-40 split if they all followed according to their general tilt. The 50-50 deadlock has been broken, so lets watch the Senate slide toward a Republican filibuster-proof majority during the next few Senate cycles. |
