Any GOP Senators ripe to turn Independent?

[Autumn Colors]

I know we're all focused on the relief effort and getting accountability for this clusterf--k of clusterf--ks, but do you think it might be worthwhile to get a letterwriting campaign going to see if there might be several moderate GOP senators who might want to go independent as Jeffords did?

If the Senate were to shift back to Democratic control at least the dems would be able to steer the committees (i.e. get an investigation going?).

There must be some out there who are ready to abandon the GOP ship (and maybe rediscover some integrity)?

Any ideas on which Senators or if this might even be feasible?

[rateyes]

1. Republican Senators from the Northeast would...

be the most likely to do that...Olympia Snowe, Lincoln Chafee, etc.

[AndreaCG]

2. Won't happen

They are chickenshits.

[ISUGRADIA]

3. You'd have to get 6 to switch which is not going to happen

[Idioteque]

4. It's rumoured that Linc Chafee will jump if it gives the Dems the majority

Right now, it's best that he stays as a Repub. His seat in the environment committee keeps a lot of bad legislation off the floor. If her were to switch now, that seat would be given to a right winger.

He is also one of the few GOP moderates on the International Relations committee.

I don't think Snowe or Collins will be going anywhere but if we get close to a majority, Chafee might decide to switch. Or we can do things the old fashion way and kick his ass in 2006 :P.

[0rganism]

5. Snowe, Collins, and Chafee are always mentioned in these discussions

but I think they all need to be replaced with actual Democrats, which should not be impossible in states that voted against shrubco.

[Autumn Colors]

6. There must be others since Katrina

They are going to want to distance themselves from this clusterf**k.

What about other Congresspeople in LA? If * is blaming state and local, aren't they getting blamed, in essence, too? Their state has suffered and they've watched the negligent incompetence kill their people. They may have an awful lot of angry people calling them.... reps in Mississippi as well. They may be towing the party line now, but they may start hearing the anger after MS starts getting its electricity back and it's computers back online (the homeowners to send nasty emails, I mean).

People are angry and some of them have to be hearing it from their constituents.

I mean some of them might do it just to save their own skins, but if it shifts the control of the Senate and committees to the Dems, then maybe there will be more of a voice and ability to get some things done (investigation...).

[safi0]

8. Snowe and Collins

Are damn near impossible to beat. Have you seen these ladies approval ratings. Olympia Snowe will seek re-election, so the soonest we could have that seat will be 2012, if Collins fulfills her promise to only serve 2 terms(unlikely) then that seat could be ripe for picking in 08. But if she seeks re-election she will be re-elected unless things change significantly. As far as Chaffee, we have a legit. chance to beat him in 06.

[kbm8795]

7. Well, I think Dailykos listed some 14 Republican

congresspersons who voted against the $51 billion Katrina funds. I say we target them next year and pound out ads reminding voters that these members refused to support help for a destroyed American city.