State of the Senate right now

[minionofmidas]

I seem to remember there were, and that without the rules change Knowles would have got to make the appointment (and probably would have appointed himself). But I may be confusing something...
Immediate by-elections for Senate seats were pretty common mid-century, especially in the South. (In fact, if the vacancy occurred within the first two-thirds of the term, there would be two by-electons: One straight away, the other at the "normal" date.) They are also a much better solution than the current oddity...Which doesn't mean that changing the rules like that is no power grab.

[minionofmidas]

Ponder this: If the Reps lose control of the Senate, which becomes a lot more likely if Specter loses the primary, you get a Judicial chairman Pat Leahy. You prefer him to Specter? Eh?