[Old Teufel Hunden]

"The GOP need to make the deal with Nelson NOW - a handshake deal to flip and become a Republican when they win the Senate back next year."

That would be the best scenario. However, if he rejects that, another scenario they could come at him with is that if he does not vote for the bill, they promise to give no party money to any republican challenger.

I don't think Joe Leiberman would switch to being a Republican and really is liberal in many ways. I think that's a non starter. However, I would make a deal with Leiberman to allow him to keep his homeland security chairmanship if the Republicans take back the Senate next year and he would have to caucus with the Republicans as an independent. All in exchange for not voting for this monstrosity.

[GOPsterinMA]

Sounds good to me!!!

GWB made sure Mike Johanns didn’t run against Nelson back in 2006. Johanns was appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, assuring Nelson re-election.

As far as Lieberman goes, fine! Let him caucus with the GOP and keep his chairmanship of DHS.

GOP ARE YOU LISTENING??? MAKE THE DEALS NOW!!!

[screaminsunshine]

They would be really great RINOS.

[fwdude]

I don't want Democrats, even "moderate" (read, not so liberal) Democrats, converting over to Republicans for political expediency - they can revert just as easily. They will bring with them their liberal baggage, lack of any courage of their convictions, and old associations that will are sure to be exploited.

I will NEVER forgive Lie-berman for his support of the 2000 election re-re-re-recount fiasco. He sold his soul at that point, IMHO. Hell can have him.

[chilltherats]

Nelson isn’t up for re-election until ‘12. That’s an eternity in politics. Further, promising to undermine their own candidate over one vote from a rat is not a party I want to be part of. No. Nelson should switch parties to get some cover for a principled vote. Giving him some committee leadership and some level of power in the party would be fine, though. McConnell should send Kyl, Coburn and Graham at him - let Lindsey earn his keep for a change by doing something right. He makes me nuts, but he’s a good negotiator. Kyl’s a good/nice guy and Coburn’s a doc who could re-inforce the no-abortion aspect and also how bad a deal the whole bill is for medical care in general.