Mike Berman’s Washington Watch

November 28, 2008 11:56 AM

U.S. Senate: Democrats 56 - Republicans 40 - 2 Independents - 2 to be decided

The Democratic caucus will include at least 58 members (2 Independents will caucus will the Democrats). The last time the Democrats controlled this many seats was in the 96th Congress, 1979-81.

Two elections remain to be determined. There is a runoff in Georgia on December 2nd. Saxby Chambliss, the Republican incumbent, is likely to win.

In Minnesota, a formal recount has commenced between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken. At last count Coleman led by a couple of hundred votes among 2.9 million cast. This could go either way.

The Democratic caucus, with the encouragement of President-elect Obama, allowed Joe Lieberman to retain his Chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. He was removed him from the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Democrat Republican Independent
100th Congress 1987-88 55 45
101st Congress 1989-90 55 45
102nd Congress 1991-92 56 44
103rd Congress 1993-94 57
56
43
44
104th Congress 1995-96 48
47
46
46
47
52*
53
54
53
53
105th Congress 1997-98 45 55
106th Congress 1999-2000 45
45
45
46
55*
54
55
54

1
107th Congress 2001-02 50
50
49
48
50*
49
49
50

1
2
2
108th Congress 2003-04 48 51 1
109th Congress 2005-06 44 55 1
110th Congress 2007-08 49 49 2
111th Congress 2009-10 56 40 2
[2 seats unresolved]


* In these Congresses, the ratios changed over the two-year cycle for one reason or another, e.g., a resignation that was subsequently filled by appointment or special election. The last number on the list was the final ratio of the cycle.



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