Why Dems Really Kept Lieberman

Today, Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens lost his 40-year Senate seat in a recount to Anchorage mayor, Mark Begich. This puts Democrats at 58 votes in the Senate. Minnesota is currently in a recount, and Al Franken (D) could still win. Georgia is also having a runoff election, although it appears Republicans will retain Georgia. If Franken wins Minnesota, Democrats would have 59 votes in the Senate, one vote short of a filibuster-proof majority. Coming this close to the true realignment Democrats so greatly desire, and spent so much time boasting about already, losing even one vote is unacceptable. Lieberman needs to continue to caucus with Democrats in order to preserve their dominance of Congress.