[Recovering_Democrat]

I do extend thoughts and prayers to the family of Mr. Wellstone. I'm just asking a political question here...anyone know the answer?

[DallasJ7]

As far as I'm aware, 50-49 isn't a tie.

[BibChr]

Even if you could, I think only a Democrat would.

Dan

[KC Burke]

The Minority Leader of the Senate has no such powers.

Lott wouldn't if he could. Only the appointment of a Republican, or one that would caucus with the repubs, would make any difference and as the Talent election is a replacement of an appontee, nothing on this will happen until after Nov 5 and the results of the Missouri election and Ventura's decision to appoint or not appoint an interim Senator for Minnisota is settled.

[Robert A Cook PE]

No - It wouldn't work in the real world because teh "tie-breaker" vote is for LEGISLATION, not procedureal issues.

Senate leadership is a good-ole-boys ritual that votes for THE single Senate leader.

Then THAT ONE PERSON assign committee chairs by party.

Then THOSE committee chairs DECIDE (on their own, actually led by the party chairman, or Hillary - as the case may be) what legistlation and judges do.

Cheney CAN'T vote until and unless there is a "tie" on legislation.

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

And Jesse can screw up this sudden upset by appointing an interim Democrat or confuse the whole process by appointing a maverick Independent.

[Joe Boucher]

Trent Lott is a wussy boy nerd. I have absolutely no confidence in this man as a leader. For a few years now he has been minority leader and has done what? And absolutely nothing forcefully. Get real leaders in the positions of house and senate leaders not these kiss asses. Hastert and Lott do nothing but try to get along. Neither could lead me to water if I were thirsty.

[BlackRazor]

The Senate at this moment has 49 practical Democrats, 1 independent, and 49 Republicans. Since the tie-breaking vote goes to Cheney, Lott could be elected majority leader if the Senate were in session.

And that one Independent caucuses with the Democrats. For organization purposes, it is 50-49 Democrats.

[Deb]

Jeffords will vote with the Democrats or switch formally. Then there's always Lincoln Chaffey, who said he'd switch to the Dems if the Republicans got a majority.

For your plan to work it would take another plane crash.

[Saundra Duffy]

I can't stand Trent Lott!

[Cicero]

Lott would be out of his mind to try anything like that before the election. When Jeffords jumped, the media all cheered. But if the Republicans pulled a fast one, they would be hounded and pounded for the next fifty years. The media would love it. Better than Watergate!

Time enough to sort this out after November 5.

[MarkT]

Trent Lott is a eunuch - even if he could call the Senate back into session to effectuate such a change, he would rather sing with the boys - he is a worthless piece of crap.

[Consort]

It's time for the Senate President, Dick Cheney, to assume full-time Senate duties until the next Congress is sworn in.

[Non-Sequitur]

No. Only the President can call Congress into special session.

[joyful1]

Lott sounds fuzzy, dull, and out-of-touch. GOP needs a sharp and forceful voice, not Lott.

Dashle is full of crap, but his speaking style and passion run circles around the hapless Lott.

[jackbill]

Cheney gets a vote on ties on legislation, not on reorganization.

[deport]

The Senate is meeting Pro Forma currently. It is scheduled to be in regular session on Nov. 12......