I thought the senate will be 52 dems- 48 repubs next session

[Beaverhausen]

is that wrong? sorry I'm kinda dense today. Thanks for you help!

[Ediacara]

You're wrong, it's 51/49

So if Johnson were to die or step down, Rounds would probably appoint a Republican, the Senate would be 50/50, and Cheney would be their 51st vote.

[KingFlorez]

1. 51-49

[GOPBasher]

2. Nope, 51-49. n/t

[Junkdrawer]

3. 49 Dems...49 Rep..2 Inds... (with the 2 Inds caucusing as Dems)... n/t

[Beaverhausen]

6. oh right- thanks!

I forgot about those indies. :hi:

[wryter2000]

4. Isn't it 49-49-2?

Yes, the two are supposed to caucus with Dems, but they're really independents. And I don't trust Lieberman, anyway.

[shaniqua6392]

5. It is 51 Dem to 49 Repuke.

So if we lose a Dem it will be 50/50 and Cheney will break any ties. But the only way a person stops being a Senator is to die or resign. If they are ill they can still serve as a Senator and no one can stop them.

[wryter2000]

7. Tie breaking

To assume a tie is to assume that all the Dems will vote together. We have a few who vote with Repugs. In fact, Lincoln Chafee sometimes voted with us when the Nelsons and Landrieu were voting with the Rs.

However, the majority does determine committee chairs and the numbers on the committees, so it's important for that.

[lapfog_1]

9. They could still be Senators, but if they were too ill to vote,

what happens... a vote of 50-49? In which case the dems retain control.

[shaniqua6392]

10. This article cites some examples that are interesting....

Read at the bottom of the article. Pretty weird stuff.

[annabanana]

8. One more Dem & Lieberman

becomes irrelevant.