Republicans have screwed themselves. This is no secret. From their constant signs of hypocrisy, to their obstructionism in the Senate, to their lock step legislating with the worse President in American history, they are working on handing the Democrats another big sweep next year:

Democrats are positioned to bolster their Senate majority in next year’s elections, which would give them more clout regardless who succeeds President George W. Bush in the White House.

With Republicans dogged by retirements, scandals and the Iraq war, there’s an outside chance Democrats will gain as many as nine seats in the 100-member Senate in the November 2008 elections, which would give them a pivotal 60.

That is the number of votes needed to clear Republican procedural roadblocks, which have been used to thwart the Democrats’ efforts to force a change in Bush’s policy on the Iraq war, particularly plans to withdraw U.S. troops.

One question does come to mind in this analysis though – what about Lieberman? I think a lot will depend upon the numbers. If we get 60 seats, he will most likely remain as an Independent that caucuses with the Democrats so he can maybe retain a committee chair. There is also the chance that he ends up switching sides fully. Either way, he is a thorn in the side of Democrats. The leadership in the Senate must cut their losses and put a true Democrat in charge of the Homeland Security committee. With a more solid majority, Democrats will be in a better position to do this. Give Lieberman the true independent status and let him chair nothing. He hasn’t earned the right.