He had that ‘filibuster-proof Senate’ for just over four months.
A filibuster-proof majority is 60 votes, present and voting; the Dems started off 2009 with 58, then Ted Kennedy’s cancer got the better of him and he ceased being able to show up for votes around March: 57. In late April, Arlen Specter switched parties: 58. In early July, Al Franken was sworn in: 59. Teddy died in late August: still 59. His successor, Paul Kirk, was sworn in on September 25: 60 at last. Four months later, Scott Brown won the special election for that seat: 59 again.
Just wanted to clear up that bit of history.