With 57 seats currently in the Dem caucus -- safely assuming that the Democratic Governors of Illinois and Delaware will appoint Democrats to fill seats vacated by Senators Obama and Biden -- the balance of power remains dependent on the outcome of the Senate races in Alaska, Minnesota and Georgia.  The latest:

Alaska:  It initially appeared as if Sen. Ted Stevens (R) would be re-elected by a narrow margin, notwithstanding his recent conviction -- thus throwing the seat into further question as his inability to serve would likely have caused a future special election to be held.  But recent reports indicate that challenger Mark Begich (D) has gained approximately 4,200 votes on Stevens as the count of 90,000 early, absentee and questioned ballots is underway.  The WaPo reports there are about 15,000 of these additional ballots to be counted in the Anchorage area (a swing area) and another 8,000 in Juneau area (expected Begich territory).  These developments certainly point, right now, to the prospect of a Democrat winning this seat sooner, rather than later -- possibly giving the Dems 58 seats.

Minnesota:  This one is getting "Florida 2000" ugly.  Amidst an army of partisan lawyers, self-interested Senators from elsewhere, and assorted other talking heads, the official state recount will begin Wednesday, November 19th.  Expect a torrent of litigation to follow -- as the suits are already rolling in.  Notwithstanding prolonged legal challenges, the recount itself should wrap up in mid-to-late December.  By then, we should have a better sense of whether the Dems have their 59th or the Republicans have their critical 41st vote.

Georgia:  On Election Day, incumbent Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) bested challenger Jim Martin (D) by a few percentage points, but failed -- by a razor thin margin -- to obtain the 50% +1 required to avoid a run-off election.  As a result, a second election between just Chambliss and Martin will be held on December 2nd.  Now, just a few weeks ago, conventional wisdom would have favored Chambliss, as the 3.2% of Georgia voters who voted for Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley were more likely to vote for Chambliss as a second choice.  But now, with the 60th vote to achieve cloture likely in the balance, expect the Obama campaign machine -- with salaries, bonuses, and benefits guaranteed through the end of 2008 -- to descend upon Georgia in an effort to obtain a Democratic victory in this race. 

EFCA's prospects for the immediate future?  Stay tuned.....