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November 2006
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From Campaign to Government…

by wmasspi in Uncategorized
Well, as all of you now know, the United States Senate will be controlled by the Democratic Party. Jon Tester won his race for Montana’s Senate seat against Conrad Burns. By the narrowest of margins, Jim Webb, former Reagan Navy Secretary and once and future Democrat, defeated George Allen for the privilege of representing the Commonwealth of Virginia. In an admirably humble concession speech, Sen. Allen announced he was declining to contest the totals from the VA count, handing Webb his victory.

Democrats successfully took SIX seats from the GOP to gain Senate control. The House, in my view, is the most important victory, but the Senate is the most amazing. Senate control is not a free pass, as 41 votes can empower a filibuster and the margin is razor thin. Nonetheless, I want to take a moment to thank Sen. Charles Schumer, NY, and Senator Harry Reid, NV, for their hard work and ultimately success at retaking the US Senate.

Senator Schumer, Chairman of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and Senator Reid, the 110th Congress’ Senate Majority Leader

But on to other matters, namely, how do we turn this decisive electoral win into both a government and a political future?

Well, thankfully despite the diversity of the new Democratic caucus, which frankly is somewhat overblown, there is one overlapping and very important cause: the health of the Middle Class in this country. Coupled with a general demand to rout the “Compassionate(ly) Conservative” Culture of Corruption, the Democrats should have no problem keeping the caucus together. Nancy Pelosi has fought hard to keep them together and frankly all of the Dems in Congress have never been, despite Republican Campaign Ads assertion to the contrary, radical liberals bent on pushing a leftist agenda.

The real issue is about being able to deliver to the American people while keeping their hands out of the cookie jars of future Jack Abramoffs. The hope is that the work of the 110th Congress will not be overshadowed by the Presidential Campaign, that I guarantee will be gearing up only a year from now. Either way, there remains a traditionally obstinate White House, unwilling to budge on a number of issues. I take no pride in my belief that the Presidency of George W. Bush will likely be viewed very negatively by history. However, if he is serious about coming together, 86ing Rummy was a good start, I welcome him to the national conversation he has for so long ignored.


A few races remain undecided, but they will be cleared up in the succeeding weeks. I hope that this win brings change and prosperity to our country as it faces challenges that rival many of the past. January, for me is a long way away. Please excuse me if I celebrate this victory, still less than 96 hours old, a little longer.