[WarrenC]

We are going to pick up seats in 2004. The lay of the land is such that it would be difficult for us not to. Our incumbents are in safe areas (except for Fitzgerald), theirs are not. The seats which will be contested are all in Bush country.

Right. And that's exactly why it would be unlikely for a GOP moderate to jump to the Democrats. They are capable of doing that same analysis. None is likely to want to be kingmaker for 2 years if it means being part of the minority for the next 12 years after that. Plus, Bush's approval ratings, as high as they are, would go higher still if he does the intelligent thing and moves Lott out.

[William McKinley]

I agree.