Why the Senate Vote matters.

There is probably no much need to come back on the much commented mid-term election results.

The race in the Senate does matter a great deal too, not just because the Democrat need just one last win in Virginia to gain a majority but also because the Senate is more important in terms of power than the House.

The Senate has oversight over presidential appointments, and can confirm or reject presidential appointments and justices to the Supreme Court.
In the House, Democrats will control committees with power to launch investigations and subpoena witnesses but the Senate committees are more powerful. A lot of heads could fall if those committees investigate the cronyism, corruption and incompetence in the Iraq war and reconstruction effort, for instance.

The “funny” thing about the situation in Virginia is that it could turn into another Florida mess. A potential recount could take a long time and lengthen the suspense.

That prospect could mean prolonged uncertainty over control of the Senate, since a recount can be requested only after the results are officially certified on Nov. 27th, according to the state board of elections. Last year a recount in the race for Attorney General was not resolved until Dec. 21. (NYTimes)

Now if the Democrats do not win Virginia, the Senate standings will be 50-50 and the Republicans will retain control through Vice-President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking vote. Besides, can we really consider Lieberman a Democrat even though he said he would align themselves with the Democrats?