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MAY 25, 2001

Senator Jim Jeffords of Vermont left the Republican party to become an independent on Thursday, shifting control of the Senate into the hands of the Democrats.

It was a win for Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (SD) and Harry Reid (Nev.), who actively courted Jeffords in an attempt to gain control of the Senate for the first time since 1994. Republicans tried to prevent the switch but were unsuccessful; President Bush said he disagreed with the decision but denied it would affect his goals.

Jeffords said he'd wait to make the official change until Congress finishes its work on Bush's tax bill. After the one-week Memorial Day holiday, Democrats could take control as early as June 5.

But no matter when it happens, the change will be felt in a number of areas. As committee chairmanships change so do legislative priorities and Daschle now has the monumental task of running the Senate.

And depending on who does the talking, the move has left the GOP re-thinking how its been running the nation since January.

Back home in Vermont, Jeffords' decision was met with cheers and lots of support.

The Switch: Video (5/24) | Text (5/24)

The Response:
Video: Sen. Tom Daschle | Text: Daschle | Video: Sen. Trent Lott | Text: Lott

The Photos:
Senate Shake-up (The Washington Post)

Get the Story:
Jeffords Tips Senate Power (The Washington Post 5/25)
Daschle, Reid Aided In Decision (The Washington Post 5/25)
Despite Jeffords, Bush Vows to Stay Course (The Washington Post 5/25)
Bush's Tougher Leadership Challenge (The Washington Post 5/25)
Big Challenge Awaits Daschle (The Washington Post 5/25)
A Favorite Son, Still in Favor (The Washington Post 5/25)
A Question of Governing From the Right (The New York Times 5/25)
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Relevant Links:
Sen. Jim Jeffords - http://www.senate.gov/~jeffords

Related Stories:
Senate shift means changes for Indian Country (5/25)
Campbell: No bed of roses for Jeffords (5/24)
Domenici ready to be minority (5/24)
Miller denies switch to GOP (5/24)
Campbell says Bush agenda will suffer (5/24)
Deja Ben Nighthorse Campbell (5/23)