From CNN… I won’t provide a link, as there is too much java pop-up shit going on…
"After the Senate adjourns Tuesday night, the physical change in the Senate chamber occurs when Sen. Jeffords’ desk is moved to the Democratic side of the aisle.
Before the Senate reopens on Wednesday morning, the desk will have to be unscrewed from the floor on the Republican side, and space will have to be made on the Democratic side, where the desk must be drilled into the floor and a new microphone unit installed."
I always assumed they just had 100 identical desks, and each senator was assigned to one on their respective side. Of course the senate is rarely 50/50, so I assumed that the “extra” majority party senators, most likely first-term freshmen, would be relegated to the other side of the aisle.
Do they REALLY cram the majority party into one half of the senate? what if it is 60/40? the minority party has tons of legroom, while the majority party endures cramped surroundings, so as not to have to be in proximity to the evil minority?
I realize this is a stupid question, but this whole situation seems as stupid as the tired sitcom cliche started when lucy and ricky roped off half their apartment, and neither was allowed to venture into the others’ territory.
Obviously the majority party wouldn’t stand for it if the had 60 members fitting into 50 slots.
The senate moves the desks; one side for Republicans, the other for Democrats. The aisle isn’t necessarily right down the middle; it can be a little to one side.
Oh for those carefree days of youth when you entered a classroom and there stood 30 desks. The teacher got out a seating chart and assigned everyone a desk. The troublemakers were switched away from other troublemakers, and students moved from desk to desk quite frequently (especially when they are trying to confuse a substitute teacher).
US Senators are not schoolchildren, and would not tolerate being treated as such. There isn’t a “teacher” to set up the seating chart anyway. So all desk spots are negotiated. It is easier to negotiate a 50/50 split of the Senate floor, so it works well that way. As one party gets a majority, they of course have an edge in negotiations and get more floor space if they so desire.
I would think that Jeffords has become accustomed to his desk. The way the drawers stick, and all the crib notes he has etched over time.
The Republicans don’t want Jeffords on their side. Not only is he viewed as a “pseudo-trader”, but also they don’t want him to hear any remarks that Republicans might make. Plus, it makes it difficult to hit Jeffords with spitballs when he is next to fellow Republicans that you don’t want to hit on accident.
The Democrats want Jeffords on their side. Even through he is an Independent, the Democrats will want to guide him in his voting. It also makes it easier for them to pass him notes and for him to look over the shoulders and copy off of Democrats.
Yes it is childish and silly, but after all these are Senators we are talking about.
