How many seats will Republicans have in the Senate when all is said and done?

[Slander and/or Libel]

But Angus King is up for re-election in 2018. It's probably not a terribly good message to go to the voters with, to say, "Vote for me, you have no idea where I'll stand because I've switched party alignment twice since you put me in the Senate 6 years ago!"

[Slander and/or Libel]

My understanding is that he's a much more natural fit at the right edge of the Democratic party than in the Republican party at all.

[Rockefeller GOP]

My understanding is that he's a much more natural fit at the right edge of the Democratic party than in the Republican party at all.

This.  Ever heard Manchin talk, people?  He's a Democrat.  Period.  He mayb be of the more old school Southern mold and hold a few culturally conservative positions, but that doesn't make him not a Democrat.  If Zell Miller can stick it out, Manchin certainly can...

[Lief 🗽]

I seriously doubt there are more than one or two issues where King agrees with Republicans. He's more liberal than half the Democratic caucus probably. It wouldn't any sense for him to switch parties.

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

Yeah, but guys ... what if Bernie Sanders changed parties??? Think about it.

[Frodo]

Considering Angus King himself broached the subject of caucusing with the GOP, we cannot discount it.  I certainly haven't.  

And with regard to Joe Manchin, politicians are generally opportunists.  I see no reason to regard him any differently. It is easy enough for him now to protest his Democratic bonafides with his party in control of the Senate.  I doubt he really is going to remain a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat if and when the GOP takes control of the chamber.  Especially with his state in the process of switching political allegiance.  

Ever heard Manchin talk, people?  He's a Democrat.  Period.  He mayb be of the more old school Southern mold and hold a few culturally conservative positions, but that doesn't make him not a Democrat.  If Zell Miller can stick it out, Manchin certainly can...

Like Ben Night-Horse Campbell before he switched over?  Or Richard Shelby?  

[Senate Minority Leader Lord Voldemort]

Considering Angus King himself broached the subject of caucusing with the GOP, we cannot discount it.  I certainly haven't.  

And with regard to Joe Manchin, politicians are generally opportunists.  I see no reason to regard him any differently. It is easy enough for him now to protest his Democratic bonafides with his party in control of the Senate.  I doubt he really is going to remain a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat if and when the GOP takes control of the chamber.  Especially with his state in the process of switching political allegiance.  

Ever heard Manchin talk, people?  He's a Democrat.  Period.  He mayb be of the more old school Southern mold and hold a few culturally conservative positions, but that doesn't make him not a Democrat.  If Zell Miller can stick it out, Manchin certainly can...

Like Ben Night-Horse Campbell before he switched over?  Or Richard Shelby?  

I just think the likely Democratic majority after 2016 would prevent Manchin from switching this Congress.

[Del Tachi]

53. 

Republicans pick-up WV, IA, AR, LA, SD, MT, CO and AK. 

[Frodo]

Considering Angus King himself broached the subject of caucusing with the GOP, we cannot discount it.  I certainly haven't.  

And with regard to Joe Manchin, politicians are generally opportunists.  I see no reason to regard him any differently. It is easy enough for him now to protest his Democratic bonafides with his party in control of the Senate.  I doubt he really is going to remain a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat if and when the GOP takes control of the chamber.  Especially with his state in the process of switching political allegiance.  

Ever heard Manchin talk, people?  He's a Democrat.  Period.  He mayb be of the more old school Southern mold and hold a few culturally conservative positions, but that doesn't make him not a Democrat.  If Zell Miller can stick it out, Manchin certainly can...

Like Ben Night-Horse Campbell before he switched over?  Or Richard Shelby?  

I just think the likely Democratic majority after 2016 would prevent Manchin from switching this Congress.

You don't know that.  And neither do I.  For all we know, the GOP could win a majority big enough to survive whatever losses they suffer in 2016, and then recoup them in 2018. 

[Senate Minority Leader Lord Voldemort]

Considering Angus King himself broached the subject of caucusing with the GOP, we cannot discount it.  I certainly haven't.  

And with regard to Joe Manchin, politicians are generally opportunists.  I see no reason to regard him any differently. It is easy enough for him now to protest his Democratic bonafides with his party in control of the Senate.  I doubt he really is going to remain a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat if and when the GOP takes control of the chamber.  Especially with his state in the process of switching political allegiance.  

Ever heard Manchin talk, people?  He's a Democrat.  Period.  He mayb be of the more old school Southern mold and hold a few culturally conservative positions, but that doesn't make him not a Democrat.  If Zell Miller can stick it out, Manchin certainly can...

Like Ben Night-Horse Campbell before he switched over?  Or Richard Shelby?  

I just think the likely Democratic majority after 2016 would prevent Manchin from switching this Congress.

You don't know that.  And neither do I.  For all we know, the GOP could win a majority big enough to survive whatever losses they suffer in 2016, and then recoup them in 2018. 

Hence why I used the word "likely."

[RR1997]

52-54