Supreme Court in Play

Obviously, a new President will be elected in November, 2000. But what are the chances that the new President, Democrat or Republican, will see his party win or lose seats in the House of Representatives or the Senate? I believe that the new President be he Democrat or Republican, will see his party gain seats.

Since the Republicans hold a razor thin edge in the House and a 55-45 edge in the Senate, a Republican victory in the Presidency will guarantee stronger control in the House and Senate.

It has been clear that since the election of 1992, the conservative Congress has not been able to enact their program because of the veto power of the President. Their slim edge has not been sufficient to override this veto because it takes a 2/3 vote to override a presidential veto.

In view of the oft stated opinion that the next President will probably appoint 2-3 new justices to the Supreme Court, which is now considered to be a 5-4 body, the winner of the presidency will have a significant power for four years (or, with reelection, for eight years).

During that period of time, issues such as a woman's right to choose and the separation of church and state will be repeatedly challenged. If the conservative Republican Party elects a president and retains control of the Congress, there will definitely be a change in the philosophy of the Supreme Court.

In order to prevent that, the Democrats must clearly emphasize philosophical differences between them and the Republicans. There is no question that those differences are clear and wide. Thus, Democrats must unite and work to keep a Democrat in the White House and take control of the Congress.