It's a glorified country club that's politically and culturally impotent.
It's as simple as that.
We hold the balance of power, now we just need to learn how to wield it.
We wield it in the 06 and 08 elections when 2/3rds of the senate will be elected..(or relected...). We have no leverage on Bush since he is alame duck, but I wouldn't give Jeb a chance in heck of ever going for the WH if George blows this one.