Despite last-minute arm twisting by President Bush, it appears that Vermont Sen. James Jeffords is a Republican no more. Jeffords, who found his moderate politics increasingly at odds with the right wing that dominates the GOP these days, told Democrats Wednesday that he's had enough. Although it looks like Jeffords will become an independent rather than switching parties, the Democrats will take it: Jeffords' defection would give them a 50-49 majority in the Senate, their first since 1994, and elevate Tom Daschle to the position of majority leader.
So Long, Suckers
Despite last-minute arm twisting by President Bush, it appears that Vermont Sen. James Jeffords is a Republican no more. Jeffords, who found his moderate politics increasingly at odds with the right wing that dominates the GOP these days, told Democrats Wednesday that he's had enough. Although it looks like Jeffords will become an independent rather than switching parties, the Democrats will take it: Jeffords' defection would give them a 50-49 majority in the Senate, their first since 1994, and elevate Tom Daschle to the position of majority leader.
