The Republican majority in the Senate now stands at a slender 53-47, and the chances of its surviving the 1986 elections decrease each time a G.O.P. member announces plans to retire. Those who have done so: Arizona's Barry Goldwater, Nevada's Paul Laxalt and North Carolina's ailing John East. Last week Maryland's Charles ("Mac") Mathias Jr. said he too would not run. One of the last liberal Republicans in high office, Mathias, 63, was elected to the House in 1960, then won his Senate seat in 1968. As a drafter of many key civil rights laws, he was proudest of his role...
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