How fitting that the touchstone of contemporary politicians is to "put politics aside," when political parties (which are, as far as I know, still deeply involved in politics) are the engines of the national political arena. Just to give a sense for the influence of political parties over the federal government, here is the very short list of senators not re-elected in party primaries. Note the newest "member of the club" Sen. Lieberman, with whom I often disagree, is a perfect example of a senator politically breaking with the party.

from "Dethroned in Primaries" printed in the Washington Post on Sunday, April 13, 2008; Page A08

Senators defeated in party primaries since 1970:

· Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) defeated by Ned Lamont (2006).

· Bob Smith (R-N.H.) defeated by John E. Sununu (2002).

· Sheila Frahm (R-Kan.) defeated by Sam Brownback (1996).

· Alan Dixon (D-Ill.) defeated by Carol Moseley Braun (1992).

· Donald Stewart (D-Ala.) defeated by Jim Folsom Jr. (1980).

· Mike Gravel (D-Alaska) defeated by Clark S. Gruening (1980).

· Richard Stone (D-Fla.) defeated by Bill Gunter (1980).

· Jacob K. Javits (R-N.Y.) defeated by Alfonse M. D'Amato (1980).

· Maryon P. Allen (D-Ala.) defeated by Donald Stewart (1978).

· Paul Hatfield (D-Mont.) defeated by Max Baucus (1978).

· Clifford Case (R-N.J.) defeated by Jeff Bell (1978).

· William Fulbright (D-Ark.) defeated by Dale Bumpers (1974).

· Howard M. Metzenbaum (D-Ohio) defeated by John Glenn (1974).

· David Gambrell (D-Ga.) defeated by Sam Nunn (1972).

· B. Everett Jordan (D-N.C.) defeated by Nick Galifianakis (1972).

· Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex.) defeated by Lloyd Bentsen (1970).