it might take a little while to see if this your appraisal holds true... if McCain can hold the gang of 14 together they can essentially run the board for until the 2006 elections wrap up. This will mean McCain will be the defacto president, for the time being, as far as legislation and appointees is concerned.

of course all of gang of 14 will be in jeopardy when their terms are up unless they can show strong leadership and produce lasting, demonstrable results from their coup.

should prove interesting.