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Party-Switcher Jim Jeffords: Done.

Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords, former Republican who bolted in early 2001 to become a Democrat in all but name ("Independent"), changing the balance of power, will not seek re-election in 2006.

While Vermont is known for its deep and abiding "blue state" politics, former Governor Howard Dean and current socialist Representative Bernie Sanders emblematic of those values, current Republican Governor Jim Douglas proves the state is not entirely a lost cause.

Jeffords' announcement shakes up the field in Vermont, changing the dynamics significantly. It also indicates that Jeffords likely does not believe Republicans will lose their majority status in the Senate anytime soon.

Ultimately, though, the odds of Jeffords' Senate seat going to a Democrat in 2006: HIGH.

UPDATE:
Daly Thoughts notes that Bernie Sanders, Vermont's lone Representative in the House, plans to run for the Senate.

Meanwhile, Alexander K. McClure posits:

Critical will be the decision of the Democratic Party. Will it support Sanders and be perceived as supporting a socialist, or will it field a liberal candidate that would take votes from Sanders?

Posted by Will Franklin · 20 April 2005 10:51 AM

Comments

Posted by: Zsa Zsa at April 20, 2005 12:50 PM

Posted by: Zsa Zsa at April 20, 2005 12:57 PM