What Is Bush43 Going To Do About Congress?

Is It Republican Strategy To Let Senate Stay Under The Democrats?

Statement from the Office of Senator Tim Johnson, Democrat from South Dakota, Thursday, December 28, 2006

W -DC U.S. Senator Tim Johnson remains in the intensive care unit at George Washington University Hospital and is surrounded by his family.

"Senator Johnson's overall general medical condition has improved and he is gradually being weaned from the sedation," said Dr Deshmukh, the lead neurosurgeon at GWU Hospital. "He is opening his eyes and is responsive to his wife." He remains in critical condition.

"Tim continues to give us great hope. His tests are encouraging and he has been responding to me. We were both looking forward to celebrating his 60th birthday with our family and friends . . the celebration is just postponed. Two of our children were with Tim and me today, and we appreciate the birthday wishes and prayers he has received, as well as the excellent care he is receiving from everyone at GWU Hospital," said Barbara Johnson, wife of Senator Johnson. [Edited by Don W]

The 110th Congress convenes on January 4, 2007. All new members will be sworn into office, then the House and Senate will vote on a resolution proposed on the last day of the 109th Congress, to organize the respective chambers. It does not look to me as if Sen. Johnson will be able to be present and voting. Should an objection be raised to letting him vote by proxy, it would be up to the presiding officer, VP Cheney, to rule.

If the GOP had any serious intentions of taking back the Senate, we would have heard that by today. The Republicans no doubt feel it is better for them to let the Democrats take the heat that will surely follow when the public realizes the Congress is helpless to do anything without the backing of the president. The only thing the GOP will be giving up is the chance to nominate more right wing judges before the 111th Congress comes to office. Sen. Trent Lott is a more congenial and more collegial man than Sen. Frist, who is now retired. Sen. Lott and Sen. Reid will get along, pertly much the same way, regardless who is Majority and who is Minority Leader.

It takes 67 votes in the Senate to over-ride a presidential veto, the Dems have 51 if Tim Johnson hangs around. In the House it takes 290 votes and the Dems have but 233. So, nothing Bush43 does not want to become law will become law before 2009.

The GOP is looking to turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse.


[edit on 12/29/2006 by donwhite]