What's At Stake?

[Catchawave]

http://www.portfolioweekly.com/Pages/InfoPage.php/iID/2118

snippy:

Last week New York Times columnist Paul Krugman elaborated on this theme, albeit from a more partisan perspective.

"There are two reasons why party control is everything in this election," Krugman wrote.

"The first, lesser reason is the demonstrated ability of Republican Congressional leaders to keep their members in line, even those members who cultivate a reputation as moderates or mavericks. G.O.P. politicians sometimes make a show of independence, as Senator John McCain did in seeming to stand up to President Bush on torture. But in the end, they always give the White House what it wants: after getting a lot of good press for his principled stand, Mr. McCain signed on to a torture bill that in effect gave Mr. Bush a completely free hand.

"And if the Republicans retain control of Congress, even if it’s by just one seat in each house, Mr. Bush will retain that free hand. If they lose control of either house, the G.O.P. juggernaut will come to a shuddering halt."

There is, however, a more important consideration, Krugman argued. "Subpoena power."

cont'd....