Joe is a legend in New England. People respect him for his tenure and his ability to stand up for what he believe's in which is rare these days. He will always get the votes he needs because like Ted Kennedy...he is a staple up there.
Everyone I know or have met whether they be a Dem or Rep voted for him this year. He can pull the knife out of his back that the Dems and Howard Dean stuck in there and put the Senate back at 50 with Mr.Cheney back in the tie-breaker position...hold off on that office remodeling Mr.Rangle.
And Joe is now able to say to the Dems: I don't need you anymore.
You know, it was a political masterstroke when Al put Joe on the ticket. I think it was a big reason that they almost won. (That and the Maine "November surprise".)
Joe learned what loyalty was when Al didn't endorse him for the Dem nomination.