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Historic Election in Congress
By Karen Fanning
November 15—Just one week after suffering a humiliating defeat in the midterm elections, the Democrats decided it was time for change—historic change. In a landmark vote on Thursday, Democratic congressmembers elected Representative Nancy Pelosi of California as House Minority leader. Pelosi will be the first woman to lead a Party in either house of Congress.
"We have a big job to do," said the 62-year-old Congresswoman, acknowledging the tough task that lies ahead for Democrats. "We're ready for it, and we're getting ready for victory."
Pelosi will replace Representative Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, who has served as the House Democratic leader since 1995. Gephardt stepped down last week after his party's unsuccessful bid to win back the House. Gephardt's goal for the past four elections was to win enough seats to gain control of the House and serve as Speaker. He is also believed to be eyeing a run for the presidency.
A member of the House since 1987, Pelosi defeated Represenative Harold Ford of Tennessee by a landslide margin, 177-29. Pelosi is a liberal Democrat who voted against President Bush's tax cuts and recently opposed a resolution supporting the use of force against Iraq.
In other House election news, Republicans chose Representative Tom DeLay of Texas to replace retiring Congressman Dick Armey of Texas as House Majority leader. The GOP also re-elected Dennis Hastert of Illinois as Speaker of the House, a position he has held since 1999.
In the wake of its victory in last week's elections, the GOP will also take control of the Senate leadership. Republican Trent Lott of Mississippi will replace Democrat Tom Daschle of South Dakota as Senate Majority Leader. Lott previously held the post from 1996 to 2001.
Although Senate Democrats will not officially elect their leader until next month, House Democrats made their preference clear with an overwhelming vote of confidence in Pelosi. Politican experts hailed Pelosi's election as a historic moment for women in politics.
"Women have arrived as powerful players in Democratic politics, and we see Nancy Pelosi as a proud symbol of women's success," said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List, an organization that helps elect women running for Congress and governor.
Republicans Sweep Congress
By Karen Fanning
November 6—With control of Congress up for grabs, the Republicans scored a historic victory in Tuesday's midterm elections. Thanks to convincing wins in several hotly contested races across the country, the GOP regained control of the Senate and strengthened its hold in the House.
"We had the issues with us," said Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, a Republican from Mississippi. "The war against terrorism, security at home, strong national defense, and dealing honestly with the economy. That's hard to match, and that is why I think we won—the combination of those things."
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Voter Turnout Up
As President Bush exited his polling place in Texas on election Day, he stopped to deliver an important message to the American public.
"I hope people vote," said Bush. "I'm encouraging all people across this country to vote."
Apparently, Americans heard the President's plea loud and clear, as they turned out in surprisingly large numbers to cast their votes. Minnesotans braved snow showers, while Georgians muddled through the rain to get to the voting booth.
"[Georgia officials] were surprised at the number of people they had waiting in line," said Kara Sinkule, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Secretary of State's office. "Before the polls opened, one precinct had 100 people already. That's very positive-especially in bad weather."
Several cities made preparations based on historical voting patterns and consequently ran out of ballots and punch cards. Turnout for midterm elections is traditionally low compared to presidential elections. In the 1998 midterm elections, only 36.4 percent of the American public voted-the lowest turnout since World War II. Although the national average for this election was 39 percent, some states, such as California, had a 50 percent or higher turnout.
Some political analysts suggested that Tuesday's high voter turnout was related to the public's curiosity about new voting technology. Several states used electronic voting machines in an effort to avoid the ballot confusion that marked the 2000 presidential election.
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Entering Tuesday's contest, the Democrats held a one-seat majority in the Senate. But key wins by Republican challengers in Missouri, Georgia, and Minnesota guaranteed the GOP at least a 51-seat majority in the Senate.
Two Senate contests have yet to be determined. The South Dakota race between Democratic incumbent Senator Tim Johnson and Republican John Thune was too close to call, forcing a mandatory state recount, which could take several weeks. In Louisiana, Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu faces a December 7 runoff after failing to get 50 percent of the vote, as required by state law. She was up against three Republicans.
The Republicans gained at least three seats—up from the 223 they held prior to Tuesday's election—to maintain control of the House. Within the 435-member House, 218 seats are needed for control. Tuesday's elections marked the first time in nearly seven decades that the President's party didn't lose House seats in a midterm election.
"We got things done," said House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a Republican from Illinois. "I think people are tired of all the gridlock they see in Congress."
Indeed, with the Republicans in control of both the White House and Congress, the midterm sweep clears the way for the GOP to set the legislative agenda for the remaining two years of Bush's term. Chief among its priorities will be tax cuts, homeland security, and judicial nominations.
In the end, House Speaker Hastert and the Republicans may have President Bush to thank the most for the party's landmark victory. The President campaigned tirelessly and raised $140 million in the past year for GOP candidates.
"President Bush was a very big factor," said CNN political analyst Bill Schneider.
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