John (Miller): Perhaps I am too harsh on Shays. I would almost take him back if we could trade Rep. Don Young (R) for him. But it is hard to forget his gratuitous, back-stabbing opportunism — for example, this little exchange came long before anyone had heard of Ronnie Earle or the bogus charges he would lay against Rep. Tom DeLay (R).

Then again, after yesterday, Republicans can hardly afford to give up any seat anywhere.

Speaking of which, if the Senate fails to seat Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Gov. Sarah Palin can make an appointment, but she would also have to call a special election within 90 days under state law.