If Daschle loses, the Dems might be more willing to allow votes
Ken, I think the Democrat position on nominations will be the same, whether they are "led" by Daschle or by someone else. Daschle merely reflects what the other 48 Democrats want.
It's iffy..here's my take, FWIW..if Daschle loses, the GOP gains a few seats..a few things happen..first, the GOP Senate RINO gang of 4 now have Zero influence..a good thing in and of itself..and Frist may be able to get a few more of the Dems to support cloture..to allow the vote...Ben Nelson, Landrieu,the two from Arkansas...60 comes close...the dems might figure it's better to go along, allow the Senate votes, which they'd all lose.. than have the nuclear option pulled on them.....if you take a look at the 2006 election list..Dems are more vulnerable, IMHO, than this year..and in 2006, W will spend ALL his time electing senators...