[gambit]

Technically, two of those "Democrats" are Independents, and one of them is Lieberman, and I'd be surprised if he has any legs to stand on in a year. But I don't disagree with dubman about the checks and balances. That being said, even if they don't get the 60 seats, the Democrats should be able to persuade some moderate Republicans on some issues even if they lose the last three seats.