[Hildy]

So easy for you to say. Since Thune was handpicked, don't you think perhaps his decision came from "higher up?" also?

[GaryP11111]

I think there are several things to consider. The White House may have regarded a bitter Senate seat custody battle as detrimental to getting the needed Democrat votes for a homeland security bill passed during the lame duck session. Also, once Talent is certified the winner in Missouri, he immediately becomes senator and the Good Guys take control of the senate; could the new majority refuse to seat Johnson until an investigation into voter fraud is concluded?