What is the impact of the 2006 election??

Question

What will happen in the next two years with the democrats controlling Congress??

Answer 1

The Democrats may have more members, but there were several middle-of-the-road, true Democrats, elected this time around instead of the Liberals posing as Democrats. I think there will be desention among the ranks there. But they don't "rule". Thank God for the power of VETO!!!!

Answer 2

The primary impact will be that Bush's agenda is severely hampered. The Congressional Democrats will not play along with passing conservative laws, and therefore Bush is forced to consider the liberal viewpoint. Republican members of Congress are also forced to compromise with the Democrats, rather than pushing through partisan legislation. For the past 6 years, Bush and the Republicans were able to ignore the Democrats -- and did so -- now there is more of a balance.

That balance of power, based on accounting for the minority party, is important for improving the quality of legislation. The voting public recognizes that it's best for America when the party holding the presidency does not also hold power in Congress. That's the reason that in most midterm elections (like 2006) the president's party loses seats in Congress.

Some specific predictions:

* Because the Democrats now chair all of the Congressional committees, you'll see legislation with a liberal tone instead of the overwhelming conservative tone of most bills since 2000.

* You'll see a lot of investigations about Iraq -- the basis for the war; the problems of the war; and a timetable for getting out. This issue was the major reason the Republicans lost, so it will be the major focus of the next Congress.

* You'll see Bush strike a more conciliatory tone, as opposed to the "mandate" he felt in 2004. I foresee less partisanship on the part of Bush and on the part of Congress, which I think is good for America too.

Answer 3

Probably not a lot. They lack enough Senators to force legislation through (60 required) and as such will have to seek a consensus approach.

The minimum wage will likely be raised.

Subpoena's will be issued to many departments of government about the conduct of the Iraq War, and other hot button issues.

The full report of the 9/11 commission will be probably be taken into law.

Some tax breaks for the upper level brackets may be repealed.

Answer 4

The 2008 Presidential election will be wide open.
No clear mandate on either side.
It will make for a very interesting next 2 years.

Answer 5

The republican agenda failed. There will be no transition because gov has created its own exclusive society. The voters should only vote their own interests and reject membership before a full blown class system gets legislated.

Answer 6

They don't have enough votes to do much

Answer 7

the taxes will go up.