ATLANTA - Prior to Tuesday's elections, Democratic Senator Zell Miller of Georgia was the ace in the hole. <br>
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He was the conservative who as a maverick could carry Republicans to victory on a key vote or as a loyalist could solidify a Democratic block. Both parties needed him so they wooed him often. <br>
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In a rapid reversal of fortunes, Georgia's junior senator was upgraded to senior senator, and his majority status was downgraded to minority. <br>
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Will Miller's clout fade now that Republicans have the majority with or without him? <br>
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University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock thinks not. He says there are still going to be instances when the president is going to need to court Miller to pick up his support on a critical vote.