I do realize that both idependent's have democratic leanings, but does that automatically classify them as democrats for purposes of defining a majority paty?
2006-11-09 04:23:13 · 13 answers · asked by Cori 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
102 Senators,,duuuhhh,,,;-)=
2006-11-09 04:31:05 · answer #1 · answered by Jcontrols 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are 100 full-voting members of the US Senate (2 from each of the 50 states) If Virginia and Montana are confirmed for the Democrats, there will be 49 republicans and 49 Democrats. There are also two independents: Joe Lieberman of CT, and Bernie Sanders of VT.
They can choose which side they will caucus with. It's generally accepted that both Lieberman and Sanders will align with Democrats. That would make it 51 - 49 and the Democratic caucus would have control.
In addition, the District of Columbia has two "shadow senators" who cannot vote but who can lobby the Senate on behalf of D.C. They also have one non-voting "shadow representative" to the House of Representatives.
2006-11-09 05:15:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Independents can chose which party they will align with - on their own, they are powerless. So they both have said they will align with the Democratic party, giving the Dems a 51-49 advantage.
As a reward, expect key chairperson appointments for the independents by the Democratic party management - that will keep them sweet and voting the right way.
In truth, it is pointless being an "Independent" since you must align with one party or the other if you hope to receive any of the important committee appointments within the Senate or the House.
2006-11-09 05:26:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Independent senators may chose to caucus with either party. If Lieberman pulls a surprise and caucuses with Republicans in January the split is 50/50. Since he owes nothing to either party (don't forget 2000) and he may want to get back on the Presidential ticket again he will caucus Democrat despite what they did to him.
He'll probably get a good committee chair offer from both sides to win his favor.
2006-11-09 04:45:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm hoping Harry Reid does lose, and notwithstanding if he does, that isn't supply the GOP the Senate Majority. i think of at best, the GOP can be able to regulate a internet p.c.. up of seven seats, giving them 40 8 seats interior the Senate. yet i does no longer suggestions being proved incorrect.
2016-10-21 13:10:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct but it is likely that both independents will caucus with the Democrats giving them an effective majority.
2006-11-09 04:26:17 · answer #6 · answered by Crusader1189 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Independents must declare which party they caucus with. Both Independents choose Democratic. Ergo.
2006-11-09 04:34:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For all intents and purposes they are both Democrat in their voting style.
There are democrats that are more conservative than the two independents.
2006-11-09 04:30:44 · answer #8 · answered by aarondarling 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because Lieberman fully counts as a half-Democrat half-Independent. So, the Senate is really split 49.5 - 49 - 1.5
2006-11-09 04:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lieberman is a democrat, lost the primary and then ran as an independent. There is no predicting the voters.
2006-11-09 04:35:47 · answer #10 · answered by longroad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those "independents" caucus with and vote with Democrats 95% of the time.
You can think of them as Democrats and you won't miss a beat.
2006-11-09 04:27:00 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋