1) Breaux comes from a conservative state where he is ENSURED re-election as a Democrat. He does not have that guarantee from the Republicans. Even if the national party "discourages" someone else from running, look at CA with Riordan . . . .
2) Miller is somewhat older. I don't know that he wants to make such a jump so late in his political career---he might perceive it as tarnishing his solid "independent" credentials.
In both cases, the "independent" label helps get them elected. I don't know that they could draw the same % of DEM votes that they now get from GOP/Indies if they switched to the GOP.
And, in both cases, to persuade them to jump would require MUCHO "bennies"---chairmanships and other appointments. But that, in turn, would require demoting or leapfrogging loyal Republicans who have paid their dues. Do you really want to do that? Is that fair?
Finally, the ONLY reason their participation AS Republicans is important is for operating control of the Senate in a caucus to organize: but as long as our organization is safe, their votes are pretty secure on most issues. They would vote for ANWAR, the Iraq resolution, most tax cuts, and most Bush judges. I think either or both would vote against a Dem filibuster on a Supreme Court.
Simply put, the cost of getting them to switch---in terms of alienation and hostility from "dispossessed" Republicans who would lose power and influence---would not be worth the gain.
Who ever said anything about having to "woo" them, my FRiend?! I expect they will be beggin' to join on as they suffer thru The Historic DemonRAT Implosion!! Seriously, I'm not talking about needing Breaux and Miller as much as I am talking about Dem needing US!! And the continued starboard momentum--that their abandoning of the USS RATShipMcAwful will facilitate--will only strengthen the American Sheeple's Resolve in defeating the Anti-AmericanScumbags on the FarLeft!!
Depending on how fast the Right presses the Re-ImpeachmentIssue**, I suspect Miller will jump in, say, May of next year and Breaux'll make the switch in July!!
FReegards...MUD
BTW...SITYS, **the RE-ImpeachmentIssue will commence in earnest when FReepers complete the Impeachment Paperwork On-Forum, then read the ChargesAgainstSlickWillie on the Steps of the U.S. Capitol, with LIVE coverage on C-SPAN, and JIP'd by the EIB!! This is commonly referred to as Petitioning Yer Reps!! Reckon no House member worth his salt will be able to Ignore THAT!! Then, once RE-Impeachment is completed, all we need to do is find 14-15 DemonRATS to CONVICT!! The RATS that fail to Vote Right will be FReeped into political oblivion in November of 2004!!