50 Republicans still leaves them in control (via Cheney), so it's not much of a threat. Plus, it's an idiotic statement. How can you convince others to follow your political lead if you're overtly willing to give your opponents an advantage and reduce your party's power? It's stupid, but then so was his statement at Strom's party....

I think he'll be convinced to step down as leader soon (next 1-2 months). The press and the Democrats are going to make sure his Strom statement doesn't go away. In addition, if he's not able to somehow convince people in Mississippi that he's better than his comments, I also expect that he'll not seek relection to the Senate (or be defeated if he does).

My $0.02.

Cheers,
Scott.