11-05-2020, 02:00 AM
Remember that Mitch McConnell’s control isn’t absolute. The most famous example is John McCain breaking ranks and voting against the GOP attempt to repeal Obamacare.
The GOP Senators aren’t a uniform voting block. In ruby red states, very conservative Senators can win easily. But in purple states, GOP candidates have to be more moderate in order to win. An example is Susan Collins in Maine who has pitched herself to voters as an independent voice who votes on principles rather than on party lines. That said, she has pretty much gone along with Trump for fear of his base turning on her. If Biden wins, she’ll be free of that threat and may vote with Democrats on at least some legislation. Another example is Mitt Romney who voted to impeach Trump.
It’s also possible that the 2 Senate spots in Georgia will end up in run-off elections later this year. As long as The GOP only has a small majority, Mitch McConnell will always have to worry about his Senators breaking ranks.
A President can buy off 1 or 2 opposing Senators to push through legislation. Does Senator X want the Army to buy another billion dollars of weaponry manufactured in his State? Does Senator Y want the FBI to move its headquarters to her State? Politics isn’t pretty, but there you go.
The GOP Senators aren’t a uniform voting block. In ruby red states, very conservative Senators can win easily. But in purple states, GOP candidates have to be more moderate in order to win. An example is Susan Collins in Maine who has pitched herself to voters as an independent voice who votes on principles rather than on party lines. That said, she has pretty much gone along with Trump for fear of his base turning on her. If Biden wins, she’ll be free of that threat and may vote with Democrats on at least some legislation. Another example is Mitt Romney who voted to impeach Trump.
It’s also possible that the 2 Senate spots in Georgia will end up in run-off elections later this year. As long as The GOP only has a small majority, Mitch McConnell will always have to worry about his Senators breaking ranks.
A President can buy off 1 or 2 opposing Senators to push through legislation. Does Senator X want the Army to buy another billion dollars of weaponry manufactured in his State? Does Senator Y want the FBI to move its headquarters to her State? Politics isn’t pretty, but there you go.