The New Lion of the Senate!

A great man has passed today, Senator Edward Moore Kennedy. He was considered, rightly, "the lion of the senate." During his tenure, the Senate passed hundreds of bills that affected, positively, the lives of millions. Although considered a proud liberal, still he was able to cross party lines and effectuate bipartisan legislation like, the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act. Still, the questions remains. Who shall become the "New Lion of the Senate?" After all, the pride must continue.

Many political pundits assume that the "lion" must come from the aisles of the left. Not so fast. What about GOP moderates like Senators Snowe or Collins? Or could the next lion come from the conservative caucus? How about Senators McCain or Graham? Remember, Senator Graham was bold enough to place his stamp of approval for Justice Sotomayor. The man does have that "it" factor. The kind that grabs people's attention and hold it. And let's not forget, he was a member of that famous Gang of 14 in the Senate.

But, what about the left? Who has the gravitas? The courage? The command presence? How about independent Senator Bernie Sanders? Probably not, because although he caucuses with the democrats, still he is neither republican or democrat. He is sort of an outcast, and an outcast can never lead the pride.

The next lion must be an unorthodox man. A man who defeated long odds to get elected to the most coveted, and sought after position in this Nation, excluding the presidency. That man is Senator Al Franken!