If Democrat Al Gore prevails, the GOP would end up with 51 senators, thanks to the departure of Gore's running mate, Sen. Joseph Lieberman. His successor in the Senate would be appointed by Connecticut's Republican governor. We've got to deal with the realm of possibility, not fondest dream. Bipartisanship will face a more monumental test if Congress is forced to resolve the ongoing fight over the presidency. In any event, it will be up to the leaders of the GOP majority to determine their strategy over the next two years for working with the Democratic minority.
Different times call for different approaches.
But House GOP whip Tom DeLay of Texas, the quintessential Republican firebrand, sent almost the opposite message last week. We'll write conservative bills and ask the Democrats to participate. This is something I've been working for for 22 years. I mean, we got it. The Republicans are the majority party in this country.