The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

ZELL OF A GOOD GUY br> Republicans were doubly cheered by Democratic Sen. Zell Miller 's decision to retire from the Senate in 2004. "Not only do we have a better shot of picking up the seat," said a Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee staffer, "but Miller is a free man now." /p>

Republicans think that Miller, unfettered by concerns about re-election fundraising and the like, is more likely to be a more vocal supporter of the Bush Administration agenda. "We need him on the economic stimulus package, and this announcement may make it possible for him to more readily support us if we can bring a satisfactory package to the floor," says a Senate Finance Committee staffer.

Miller has long been a target of Republican attempts to jump parties, but he has tamped down such talk. Instead, he has stayed with the Democrats, crossing over to vote with the GOP on issues he felt strongly about.

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