Franken Heads to Senate, Bolsters Democrats’ Hand
With Al Franken’s victory in Minnesota and Sen. Robert Byrd discharged from the hospital after six weeks on the same day, Democrats are only one member – the ailing Ted Kennedy — away from the magical 60-vote threshold. But as Examiner colleague Susan Ferrechio reported, most of what Democrats seem to be doing about it is managing expectations – pointing out that the same gang of moderates will still run the show as the swing votes.
Writers Naftali Bendavid and Greg Hitt echo that theme, but also point out that Franken, who will enter the Senate Monday with a high profile on the judiciary and health committees, seems to understand that as a former comedian, mean-spirited political author and bomb-throwing radio host, he will have to avoid frightening centrists away from the party on key votes.
