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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
11

Chill Out, Democrats; 60 Votes Means Bupkis

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(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)
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11 comments
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DJM420
Jul 1, 09 9:58 AM CDT
“It’s troubling to think what they might now accomplish,” said John Cornyn. << What does he care, he's already got health care and a pension. God forbid should congress "accomplish" something that benefits more than just the rich white man. Reply
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+14
IN RESPONSE:
Newser001
Jul 1, 09 11:03 AM CDT
Well put !
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+3
Adapt-Overcome
Jul 1, 09 10:14 AM CDT
I'm a Texan and John Cornyn is a Bushie who supported the mess this country is in. He's a jackass....not sure if he's leading or in line with Gov. Perry (they r 2 peas in a pod). Those sexist morons are making rude, sexist comments about Kay Baily Hutchinson because she's competing for Gov. against Perry. Goes to show the GOP supports the good ole boy mentality and only supports a woman if it meets the status quo. The Party of NO----continues to use fear tactics to keep their party in line. Same crap..different day. How typical. Reply
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
NewserScooter
Jul 1, 09 11:38 AM CDT
Its really intelligent to stoop to name calling. Esp. when you don't really know what you are talking about.
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-3
Timinator2K
Jul 1, 09 10:14 AM CDT
Senator Stewie Smiley...how could he do worse than the 1/2-bit lounge lizard comedians already in the Senate? Please God, don't answer that question. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
-3

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