HOW THE GOP CAN RETAKE THE SENATE IN 2010: GET 3 OR 4 DEMS AND 1 INDEPENDENT TO SWITCH CAUCUSES

IT'S APPARENT THAT THE GOP MIGHT VERY WELL INCREASE THEIR SEAT COUNT IN THE SENATE FROM 41 TO 47 OR 48.

GETTING TO 51 IS A LOT HARDER - AT LEAST GETTING THERE VIA ELECTIONS, THAT IS.

BUT THERE'S ANOTHER WAY: GET SITTING SENATORS TO SWITCH WHO THEY CAUCUS WITH.

HERE'S WHO - AND HOW:

1. INDEPENDENT JOE LIEBERMAN: OFFER HIM CHAIRMANSHIP OF FOREIGN RELATIONS - WHERE HE CAN BE TRUSTED 1000%. UPDATE: JOE IS OPEN TO THE IDEA.
   
2. MARK PRYOR: OFFER HIM CHAIRMANSHIP OF AGRICULTURE.
3. JON TESTER: OFFER HIM CHAIRMANSHIP OF ENERGY.
4. JIM WEBB OF VIRGINIA: OFFER HIM CHAIRMANSHIP OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
5. JAMES RISCH OF IDAHO: OFFER HIM AGRICULTURE, TOO - PIT HIM AGAINST PRYOR.

WE WILL PROBABLY ONLY NEED 4/5.

MCCONNELL AND MCCAIN OUGHT TO GET TO WORK ON IT NOW.

AFTER THAT, THEY CAN DO THE HARD-LIFTING: GETTING SNOWE AND COLLINS AND TO VOTE WITH THE GOP, TOO! HEH!