Brown's election DOES NOT give them control of the Senate.

[Are_grits_groceries]

1.Democrats still control the agenda of the Senate, even though Republicans can filibuster some of its legislation.

2.Republicans don't have the power to decide whether or not to pursue reconciliation (which only requires 50 votes) on measures impacting the budget.

3.Republicans don't have the power to decide whether they have to be on the Senate floor to filibuster. Remember, the whole idea of the filibuster is to allow debate to continue. Republicans use it to stop votes from happening, but when they don't stay on the floor to debate the measures they are filibustering, they are abusing the rule. It's entirely up to Democrats whether or not filibustering requires Republicans to stay on the floor.

4.Even though cloture (ending a filibuster) requires 60 votes, passing legislation still requires just 50+1. Republicans only have 41 votes.
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5.At the beginning of session, the Senate decides whether to continue operating under its old rules or whether to adopt new rules. If made at the beginning of a session, rule changes only require a majority vote. If Democrats maintain their control of the Senate, that means they can change the filibuster rule one year from now.
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The Democratic Party still controls the Senate, and if they choose to use the power they have, they can still get things done.
http://www.dailykos.com/

Using their power is and has been the question. The Dems CAN still take back the momentum if they choose to. Obama needs to dump bipartisanship and push through bills that will produce some results. The jobs bill would be a good place to start if it is written right and will make a difference that can be felt now.

[NecklyTyler]

1. We are not even close to losing

We have not lost.

We still hold a majority in the Senate

We still hold a majority in the House

We still hold the Executive Branch

It is not over, the repukes still have not won.

Get out of this mindset that the minority Republicans control the agenda. They do not. We do

[Are_grits_groceries]

3. I agree.

However, if the Dem Senators don't use what power they have then it is wasted. They need to push back hard. They also can't just talk about it. They need to use their power and PROVE they will fight.

[Turbineguy]

2. Now,

if we can only convince the Democrats in Congress.... the day will be complete.

[Are_grits_groceries]

4. Maybe we should send

'singing telegrams' or something to their offices to put these facts in front of them. At the least, EVERYBODY should copy those points and email them to the Dem Senators.

[panzerfaust]

5. Yes. It does ...

... because even when we had a filibuster proof majority, our "leaders" did not have the courage to press for real change.

Now they will just wring their hands and wail that they can do nothing, because they do not have 60 votes.

To paraphrase Churchhill: The problem is not the size of the dog, the problem is the size of the fight in the dog.

[liberal N proud]

6. No, the M$M controls the Senate

Elections too.

[FBaggins]

7. All are correct... but #5 is political suicide.

Assuming we retain a majority at all, it won't be anywhere near as large as 59 seats. If you think our senators are running scared now, wait until they lose a few seats in November. Believe it or not, the 2012 senate races look more dangerous (on paper) than this year does - because we have far more seats to defend (and more seats in red states with freshmen senators defending). The LAST thing they're going to want to do it appear to change longstanding rules (that many of them are on record defending just years earlier) just because they can't win under the existing set.

More importantly, I think that many of them will see the filibuster as a tool they're going to need themselves.

[malaise]

8. Dems need to tell them

You'd never know watching M$Greedia.

For the best take on the subject check out Indecision 2010
http://www.thedailyshow.com/

[asdjrocky]

9. They had control with 40.

Why not 41?