May 23, 2001. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Republicans set to lose control of U.S. Senate

LONDON, May 23, Graphic News: American Senator James Jeffords of Vermont said he will announce on Wednesday whether he will drop out of the Republican Party, thus giving Democrats control of the U.S. Senate.

ÒI will be making an announcement tomorrow in Washington,Ó Jeffords told reporters outside of the Senate chamber when asked if he planned to switch parties.

With the Senate currently split 50-50 between the two major parties, he would throw the Senate into Democratic hands if he decided to quit George W. BushÕs ÒGrand Old PartyÓ (GOP).

Jeffords, who informed President Bush on Tuesday, is said to be considering the possibility of becoming an independent, but voting for the Democratic leadership. If he chose that option, Democrats would still take over control of the Senate and all its committees. 

Many Republicans say Jeffords -- a GOP moderate who has been at odds with his party leadership on several major issues -- single-handedly sank BushÕs proposed $1.6 trillion tax cut. He forced the White House to negotiate with moderate Democrats on a smaller $1.25 trillion tax cut when he refused to go along with the Bush proposal. 

Republicans have been murmuring about making Jeffords pay for his stand, possibly by killing a dairy pact that pays Vermont farmers more for milk.

Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona said ÒI obviously would like to see him remain in the Republican Party. But itÕs obviously a very sensitive matter that weÕre dealing with.Ó
/ENDS
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press