Do we REALLY only need THREE?

[JamboGuide]

Three Reps to break the nuclear option??

[carpetbagger]

1. I think we would need four more, added to the two we have.

We have all 44 democrats, Jeffords, and appearently McCain and Chaffee. To beat back the thing outright, we'd need 51 votes, which leaves us needing four more. Perhaps three would do it, provided Cheney were to be unable to vote on Senate rules. However, I have a feeling that every other precedent is up for grabs in this fight, and I'd assume that Cheney would be allowed by the powers that be to break a tie in this one.

[JamboGuide]

2. SO..

44 PLUS Jeffords, McCain and Chaffe is 47 PLUS FOUR MORE (where r THEY gonna come from?), is 51!! So r we royally fucked on this ALREADY!!??

[carpetbagger]

3. There are several more up for grabs.

Snowe (probably against), Collins, Warner, Hagel, Smith, and perhaps Specter or Lugar are in the mix. I've heard other names, but I'd be a bit surprised if we didn't have at least 50 (Snowe, Collins, Warner). I think we can probably turn one final senator.