The chances of the Democrats taking back the Senate appear to be getting slimmer. CNN is reporting that John Breaux (D-La) will retire in 2004 rather than seek re-election:
[John Breaux] is the fifth Democrat from a southern state to announce his retirement before the 2004 elections. Others are Zell Miller, Georgia; Bob Graham, Florida; John Edwards, North Carolina; and Fritz Hollings, South Carolina.
Some, undoubtedly, will minimize this loss by pointing out that Breaux was a glad-handling backroom boy, a DINO, and good riddence to him (thank you very much). Sure, he was all of that. But he was also insanely popular in Louisiana, and he faced no serious challenge for re-election in 2004. His departure means that the likelihood of the Democrats recovering the Senate is, well, unlikely.
So, here're two half-formulated thoughts for you to ponder (or dispute): First, why the heck are the Democrats losing their few remaining Southerners to retirement? We're past the stage of mere coincidence or unlucky timing -- five Democratic Senators from a relatively Democratic-Senator-Free region is more than a lot. I'm tempted to say that it has something to do with Dean's rise an an anti-war type -- but, then, all of my pronouncements on Dean are inherently suspect given my general dislike of the man.
Second, I am not looking forward to what I now believe to be the most likely outcome of the 2004 election cycle: A Republican President, A Republican House, and a Republican Senate. This is because the current Republican agenda appears to be "detax and spend, spend, spend." Not exactly sound fiscal planning (or conservatism, as traditionally defined).* And, frankly, I'm a little scared about the quality of judicial nominees that have thus far been offered by this administration. A Republican trifecta is hardly likely to provide the needed "Saul on the road to Damascus" moment on either point.
So, bid adieu to Breaux. We'll sure miss ya.
von
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