Dismay Among Democrats

The lead article in The New  York Times today is titled, “Democrats Wary as Two Senators Decide to Retire.” It describes the resignations of Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and discusses the implications for the November election.

The article notes that the Democrats are likely to lose their 60-vote majority in the Senate and about 20 to 25 seats in the House but quotes Democratic party officials and analysts who predict the Democrats will maintain their overall majority in both chambers. However, losing the 60-vote majority in the Senate could affect the ability to pass controversial legislation, such as the healthcare bill, in the future.

In my opinion, the Democrats should be slightly worried, but it’s not time to panic yet. Senator Dodd will be replaced by Connecticut Attorney General Blumenthal who will be a popular candidate. And, as the article notes, there will be more open seats available through Republican resignations than Democratic ones.

One day can be like a year in politics, and events are unpredictable, especially for 11 months into the future. If the healthcare bill passes, unemployment dips slightly, and the President learns his job better (yes, we now have a President who is capable of learning!), the atmosphere could change in a matter of weeks.

For the sake of our country, I’m hoping all that occurs.