Just An Observation - Looks Like If A Senator Declares Oneself As An Independent.......

[global1]

they have more power than - being a Dem or Repug.

More of them should consider this going forward.

[mikelgb]

1. If only. You actually just have to be an asshole.

If you were right Sanders would be more influential.

[cali]

2. really? Bernie Sanders ring a bell?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. They should all declare themselves independents and forget the "bipartisanship".

That would make some very interesting political theater. At least more interesting than the usual farce.

[Winterblues]

4. At this stage any cantankerous Democrat can hold up legislation

Doesn't have to be an Independent. Ben Nelson can do it so can Blanche Lincoln or hell even Bernie Sanders if he so chose. When a specific number is needed, like 60 votes, anyone can be a monkey wrench in the works.

[treestar]

5. Irrelevant

If he called himself a Dem still, he'd be doing the same thing.