You'll have to put up with it until November 2. Zell's not running for re-election in the fall. As to why he won't bother to change parties before then, well, it's a complete mystery to everyone in down here as well. I think he believes he can get more attention by being the lone Democrat senator supporting Bush. If he became a Repub, he'd just be part of the crowd.

There's also a nice *tactical* benefit to being the lone member of party [x] supporting the positions of party [y]; it makes it seem to non-partisan voters as if you're *right*, and the rest of party [x] is lunatics. A great thing if you're really a shill for party [y].

Note that this applies just as well to Olympia Snowe, on some issues, as it does to Zell Miller.

Ha. A related local story of some amusement:

Sen. Zell Miller’s spokesman joins Kerry campaign.

Wonder how old Zell feels about that?