From the outset, I'll state that I have nothing but enormous respect for Senators Kennedy and Byrd and the work they've done in the Senate. In particular, as a once and future Massachussettsan, and a Cape Codder, it is grievously hard for me to imagine a Senate without Senator Kennedy.
Why in god's name am I calling for them to resign? Because Al Franken is about to be seated as the junior Senator from Minnesota.
And because Al Franken will give the Democrats a 60-person majority in the Senate. Which under Senate rules, will allow a whole host of the people's business to move forward against an intransigent, obstructionist minority.
Except, because of the health of Senators Byrd and Kennedy, and their unpredictable and frequent absences, the Democrats can only muster up 58 votes for cloture. More on the flip.
Here's the thing. West Virginia has a Democratic governor right now, friendly to President Obama and his agenda. Massachussetts voters will likely elect a Democrat in a special election, particularly if Senator Kennedy gives his blessing to the successor. So if both Senators resigned, they would be replaced with Democrats.
Democrats, who with enough time, may be able to stand for re-election in 2010 or 2012.
Democrats who would presumably be able to deliver the 59th and 60th votes in the Senate.
This is a very, very rare opportunity. If another Senator should have to leave office, perhaps a Democrat from a state controlled by a Republican Governor, then we may lose that 60th vote.
Other Senators, yes, might defect on some issues. It's not like Arlen Specter, for example, is a reliable vote on EFCA, or whatever.
But for the votes that really matter, we know the Republicans will vote an obstructionist and party line. Relying on the two Senators from Maine only invites more compromise and watering down of the agenda, at a time when urgent action is required on so many things.
I indeed wish the best personally for Senators Byrd and Kennedy. I wish their health situations were not what they are. But the responsible thing for the Republic is to get that filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, while we can.
Why else did the Republicans fight so pointlessly for Franken's seat? Because they knew that delay is their ally, that the intervention of random events might tip the balance back their way if they hold out long enough.
[Update 1: Minor edit, changed 'cloture' to 'filibuster-proof'.]
[Update 2: corrected error about how Massachussetts picks new Senators.]