Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 67, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 November 1911 — SENATE IS NOT REPUBLICAN [ARTICLE]

SENATE IS NOT REPUBLICAN

Democratic Measures Likely Henceforth to Command Majority In Upper House. Recent elections had no effect upon the United States senate as regards the political control. There are now 42 Democrats and 49 Republicans in that body, 10 of the Republicans being classed as insurgents, who are almost sure to vote with the Democrats on certain large issues. There is one vacancy in Colorado, caused by the failure of the legislature So elect. This is likely to be filled by a Democrat, in which case the senate will stand 43 to 49. The New Mexico legislature may possibly be controlled by a coalition of Democrats and progressive Republicans with a small majority on joint ba;/ot. In that case the two new r senatcrships will be divided, one going to the Democrats and the other to the progressive Republicans, in which case the senate will stand, with the Colorado vacancy filled, 44 Democrats and 50 Republicans, 11 of the latter being straightout progressives with stronger leanings toward the Democratic than the Republican side in important matters. If the straight-out Republicans control in New Mexico and elect two senators, the upper house will stand 43 Democrats and 51 Republicans. The Arizonia legislature will be elected In December and it is expected that it will be Democratic, sending two members of that party to the senate. On this basis the full senate of 96 members. when all are elected, will stand 46 Democrats and 50 Republicans, if New Mexico returns a Democrat and a Propressive Republican, the 11 Progressive Republicans holding the balance of power. In these circumstances it will take only three changes from the Republican to the Democratic side to wipe out the Republican ostensible majority entirely and give the Democracy, for the first time since 1897, the absolute control of the senate. In the 1913 class of senatorial seats are several which may> possibly be regarded as open to contest, such as those from New Jersey, Nebraska, Colorado. Montana and Delaware. In any event there Is little likelihod of a straight-out Republican majority in the senate for several years to come, even with the best of luck for the Republican party.