"(Most experts suggest the notion that Texas can legally secede is mistaken, but the state does have the right to split into five states, offering the prospect of 10 U.S. senators, math that would send cold shivers down any Democratic back.)"


Simple math

48 + 8 = 56


from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1891829,00.html?cnn=yes