A Conservative does a pretty good job of explaining the Senate [View all]

[Recursion]

Tim Carney is one of the conservatives I recommend people read (other liberals are with me on this.) Here is his excellent explanation of the politics of the Senate right now:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/tea-party-troika-rivals-gop-leadership-in-senate/article/2528887

First, the GOP earmark ban in effect since the 2010 elections makes it harder for party leaders to buy off wavering members.

Second, the persistent anti-establishment sentiment among the GOP base blunts leadership threats involving committee assignments. Among the GOP base, it's a badge of honor to be whacked publicly by the leadership. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., became something of a Tea Party hero when the House leadership stripped him of committee spots because he wouldn't do the party's bidding.

Third, McConnell has lost many allies, often in contests with the Tea Party. Lee and Paul both came to the Senate by beating McConnell intimates. Lee ousted McConnell confidant Bob Bennett in a 2010 Utah GOP nominating fight, and Paul bested McConnell's handpicked candidate for the open Kentucky Senate seat that same year.

...

It's the Tea Party whip operation. It's called the "inside-outside game," because a few folks on the inside -- senators and groups like FreedomWorks, Club for Growth, Heritage Action and the National Rifle Association -- are able to rile up a bunch of folks on the outside. Those outside players are noisy constituents, local party operatives, talk radio hosts, and donors, so they have more sway over individual senators than the party leadership.

Lots more, and well worth a read. This is one of the few conservatives who in late 2012 was saying it would be an Obama victory by 3 points. Keep an open mind, and read the other side's view of things. You'll thank me.