The new U.S. Senate is set to convene in a swirl of allegations of corruption, and dynastic nepotism that threatens to dog the early days of Barack Obama's presidency.
The class of 2009 could face a chaotic swearing-in ceremony.
In the most high-profile standoff, Obama's designated replacement for Illinois, Roland Burris, could be stopped from taking his seat by fellow Democrats.
The Democrat claiming victory in Minnesota faces serious allegations of voter fraud. Some Minnesota precincts show more votes than registered voters. Some votes for the Minnesota Democrat candidate were mysteriously found in a poll workers car (the poll worker was a Democrat) and that is just two discrepancies in the Minnesota election fiasco.
Last, but not least, is the New York Senate seat occupied by Hillary Clinton. A member of the legendary Kennedy clan is determined to get that seat.
The senatorial to-and-fro is an unwelcome distraction for Obama as he prepares to take office on January 20, reliant on a focused Congress to enact his ambitious plans including a mammoth economic stimulus package.
A picture of my cave
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