Who is the most powerful Senator?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I would go with Byrd.  As Chairman of Appropriations, he controls where all the money goes, as the people of West Virginia know quite well.

[CultureKing]

I would go with Byrd.  As Chairman of Appropriations, he controls where all the money goes, as the people of West Virginia know quite well.

Isn't his position in de facto control by Murray right now? I remember reading that while he technically has not lost control of the seat they had basically given control over to her because of Bryd's age and health.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Leahy

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I would go with Byrd.  As Chairman of Appropriations, he controls where all the money goes, as the people of West Virginia know quite well.

Isn't his position in de facto control by Murray right now? I remember reading that while he technically has not lost control of the seat they had basically given control over to her because of Bryd's age and health.

No; I don't even know which Murray you're talking about.

[Keystone Phil]

I would go with Byrd.  As Chairman of Appropriations, he controls where all the money goes, as the people of West Virginia know quite well.

Isn't his position in de facto control by Murray right now? I remember reading that while he technically has not lost control of the seat they had basically given control over to her because of Bryd's age and health.

No; I don't even know which Murray you're talking about.

My hunch is that he's probably talking about the only Murray in the Senate.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I would go with Byrd.  As Chairman of Appropriations, he controls where all the money goes, as the people of West Virginia know quite well.

Isn't his position in de facto control by Murray right now? I remember reading that while he technically has not lost control of the seat they had basically given control over to her because of Bryd's age and health.

No; I don't even know which Murray you're talking about.

My hunch is that he's probably talking about the only Murray in the Senate.

Right, right...In that case, the answer is no.  If anyone would take over from Byrd, it would be Daniel Inouye, since he is second in seniority.  Murray is fairly low on the list; she probably won't become Chairman for another 10-15 years.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The only Republican really deserving of the list is Senator McConnell.

I voted Senator Reid.

I disagree.  Cochran, Specter, and McCain are the ranking members of the Senate's three most powerful committees, they do have some influence.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The only Republican really deserving of the list is Senator McConnell.

I voted Senator Reid.

I disagree.  Cochran, Specter, and McCain are the ranking members of the Senate's three most powerful committees, they do have some influence.

Emphasis in bold.  Senators Cochran, Specter, or McCain do not have nearly as much power in the Senate as say Senator Reid.

Very true, but you said they don't deserve to be included.

[Sensei]

The only Republican really deserving of the list is Senator McConnell.

I voted Senator Reid.

I disagree.  Cochran, Specter, and McCain are the ranking members of the Senate's three most powerful committees, they do have some influence.

Emphasis in bold.  Senators Cochran, Specter, or McCain do not have nearly as much power in the Senate as say Senator Reid.

Very true, but you said they don't deserve to be included.

that's because they don't.

[CultureKing]

I would go with Byrd.  As Chairman of Appropriations, he controls where all the money goes, as the people of West Virginia know quite well.

No; I don't even know which Murray you're talking about.

My hunch is that he's probably talking about the only Murray in the Senate.

Right, right...In that case, the answer is no.  If anyone would take over from Byrd, it would be Daniel Inouye, since he is second in seniority.  Murray is fairly low on the list; she probably won't become Chairman for another 10-15 years.

This is what I was thinking of, I knew that I had read something about it somewhere:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7446.html
Isn't his position in de facto control by Murray right now? I remember reading that while he technically has not lost control of the seat they had basically given control over to her because of Bryd's age and health.

[WalterMitty]

how can everyone overlook kennedy?  (he is the correct answer)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

how can everyone overlook kennedy?  (he is the correct answer)

Damn, I can't believe I forgot him.  Crap.

[Aizen]

Kennedy

[Smash255]

Either Kennedy or Leahy

[Verily]

I'd go with Leahy, but Levin, Byrd, and Murray are all powerful. Reid is little more than a scarecrow.

[Joe Biden 2020]

I'd go with Leahy, but Levin, Byrd, and Murray are all powerful. Reid is little more than a scarecrow.

[HardRCafé]

Write in:  Dean Barkley.