Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Chill Out, Democrats; 60 Votes Means Bupkis

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 1, 2009 9:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Al Franken is a senator at last, giving the Democrats their first 60-vote supermajority in 30 years. But that might not mean much, writes David Lightman of McClatchy Newspapers. Two of those votes belong to seriously ill senators, and another two are merely semi-reliable independents. Add in the disparate local interests every senator has, and Franken’s arrival is unlikely to be a major game-changer.

“It’s a numerical achievement, but not necessarily a political one,” said one political science professor. On issues from climate change to health care, getting Democrats to agree has been problematic. But Republicans insist 60 is a big deal. “It’s troubling to think what they might now accomplish,” said John Cornyn. And Democrats are optimistic, too. “It will help our ability to get to the underlying issues more quickly,” said Thomas Carper.

Democrat Al Franken with his wife Franni at his side, speak with the media outside their home in Minneapolis, Tuesday June 30, 2009.
Democrat Al Franken with his wife Franni at his side, speak with the media outside their home in Minneapolis, Tuesday June 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Star Tribune, Brian Peterson)
Democrat Al Franken with his wife Franni at his side, speak with the media outside their home in Minneapolis, Tuesday June 30, 2009.
Democrat Al Franken with his wife Franni at his side, speak with the media outside their home in Minneapolis, Tuesday June 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Star Tribune, Brian Peterson)
Democrat Al Franken with his wife Franni at his side, wave outside their home in Minneapolis, Tuesday June 30, 2009.
Democrat Al Franken with his wife Franni at his side, wave outside their home in Minneapolis, Tuesday June 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Star Tribune, Elizabeth Flores)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Yourself
Jul 1, 2009 5:49 AM CDT
so much for the days of a GOP "permanent majority" that Bush and Rove used to talk about when they barely had a majority. LOL.. 60 is definitly better then 40 like JaneMP states.
NewserScooter
Jul 1, 2009 4:38 AM CDT
Its really intelligent to stoop to name calling. Esp. when you don't really know what you are talking about.
NewserScooter
Jul 1, 2009 4:37 AM CDT
Yeah but not Dems.

More Newser Stories

Senators to Komen: Restore Planned Parenthood Cuts

Bad News for Dems? Ben Nelson Retiring

GOP Pulls 'Reverse Braveheart ' on Payroll Tax

Congress' Productivity Plunges

Franken Wants Answers on Phone-Tracking Software


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne