Expert Commentary: UAB Expert Discusses Possible ‘Magic 60’ in the Senate, Electoral College

Many experts say that the downturn in the economy is just one factor that could result in the U.S. Senate Democrats winning a 60-seat majority, known as the “Magic 60,” on Nov. 4.

October 30, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Many experts say that the downturn in the economy is just one factor that could result in the U.S. Senate Democrats winning a 60-seat majority, known as the "Magic 60," on Nov. 4. A 60-seat majority by the Democrats would make it difficult for the Republicans to block legislation through a filibuster, says University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) political scientist Holly Brasher, Ph.D.

"Having the 60-seat majority will allow that party [Democrats] to make major policy departures, so that they can make serious changes in policy," Brasher said.

"As a rule," says Brasher, "the filibuster is a good thing because the minority opinion is registered in the process, and the filibuster can be a valuable tool if a piece of legislation is ill-advised ... or for some reason needs to be stopped."

Brasher teaches in the UAB Department of Government. Her research and teaching interests include American politics, the presidency, public opinion about the political parties and interest groups. She is co-author of the book "Organized Interests and American Government."