This election would give the liberal Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the US Senate as well.

The upshot is that the Republicans will not achieve a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

They managed not to slip below 40 seats in the Senate and give the Republicans a filibuster-proof majority.

Gone are the days when Republicans raised the hopes of a filibuster-proof majority of 60 seats, which seemed possible in 1998.

The Republicans failed to win a filibuster-proof majority.

Gridlock may also occur within the Senate, when no party has a filibuster-proof majority.

He was concerned about the Republicans winning a filibuster-proof, 60-seat majority in the Senate this year.

It is important not because Democrats must hold the seat to prevent a filibuster-proof Republican majority, though they must.

Republicans will still be short of a 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority but could find it much easier to assemble the coalitions needed to override any resistance.

Specter increased the Democratic senators to 59, one short of a filibuster-proof majority.