Jeffords Bombshell
Party switch imminent, according to Evans and Novak Political Report.

By NR Staff
May 22, 2001 6:00 p.m.

ermont Republican James Jeffords will switch parties, according to an exclusive report in the Evans-Novak Political Report. The switch would give control of the Senate to the Democrats, and is a devastating development for the Bush White House.

This is the Evans-Novak e-mail that is screaming around Washington at the moment:

“GOP Sen. James Jeffords (Vt.) was overheard on Tuesday telling a Democratic colleague that he will switch parties.

“According to sources, Jeffords said that once the tax cut bill passes he will travel to the White House and tell President Bush he will join the Democratic party. Jeffords' aides said Bush's decision not to invite him to a ceremony honoring a Vermont teacher is prompting him to switch parties.

“If Jeffords follows through with his intention, the political landscape changes dramatically. Democrats would become the majority party in the Senate, altering the make-up of committees and derailing Bush's judicial nominations and his goal of restraining federal spending. Also, Republican energy plans would be very difficult to pass through the Senate.”