In recent days I've had a number of conversations with friends and family from Maine about the future of their two US Senators, both of whom are wildly popular there.
As we Democrats move toward 60 votes in the Senate, and push the removal of Joe Lieberman from his chairmanship, it seems to me that there has been precious little talk about trying to convince these two moderat Republicans to jump ship and switch to either Independent (caucusing with the Dems) or straight Democrat.
Join me over the fold.
I am wondering how much discussion there has been on Capitol Hill about getting either Snowe or Collins to switch parties?
Consider that they are the only two Republican members of Congress left in New England - and apparently fairly moderate in their voting, and certainly in their leadership style, temperment and philosophy. I don't recall ever reading that either one of them took the lead on some wingnut issue or cause.
So the question put to me by friends and family members in Maine is this: given the political, ideological and even moral implications moving forward, why don't either or both Snowe or Collins switch to Independent and caucus with the Democrats?
And the question I have for the Kos community is whether or not the Dems should offer them committee chairmanships in exchange for caucusing with us? And if so, which chairmanships? Which would either of them want? And how comfortable and dependable would they be caucusing with us?
Clearly, it would enhance their ability to deliver for the state of Maine. And I think that they could easily switch without serious repurcussions from Maine Republicans. Maine ain't Oklahoma.
Furthermore, the Republicans of the Northeast can clearly see that their values and interests are not at all represented in the national GOP.
Anyway, I am interested to hear your thoughts on this issue. Please share.