Split Senate

It is a sad irony that it the Democrats could lose the Senate after they worked so hard to gain it in last months elections. Tim Johnson a Democratic Senator from South Dakota was hospitalized last night after suffering stroke like symptoms. If he were to become incapacitated or worse, if he passes away, then the South Dakota Republican Governor Mike Rounds has the sole power to replace Johnson, and would more than likely put a Republican in that seat, evening the Senate seats at 50-50. That would technically put the GOP into the majority since the constitution clearly states that the VP has tie breaking capabilities.

This situation would be a shame because it would probably mean a return to beltway gridlock, since the Democratic controlled house would be paralyzed by the Republican controlled Senate and vice-versa. This would also prevent the Democratic Senate Chairs from beginning significant investigations into the conduct of the president and his administration over the past six years in attempt to level the playing field between the executive and legislative branch of our government.

So if you are in favor of due process, and questioning Bush and his advisors about some of the decisions that have been made, then please hope and pray that Senator Johnson is able to make a full recovery and return to his seat and his duties.