Assuming we keep both houses of Congress, who would you like to see in leadership?

[Stinky The Clown]

I have some issues with Nancy Pelosi, but I think if she cans Steny Hoyer and brings in a real strong armed liberal, she'll be fine.

Harry's gotta go. I'd like to see a more liberal leader, but more importantly, I want a leader from a 100% safe state. The entire Senate had to get behind Harry saving his own ass. Same with Daschle.

I want leadership that will exercise some discipline and maybe take way some perks from the worst of the Blue Dogs.



What do you think?

[Vincardog]

1. Leadership with stones and a REAL LIBERAL

[JustAnotherGen]

2. I think

Nancy needs Weiner, Wasserman-Schulz or Grayson if he holds onto his seat.

Any of those three will be a vicious pitt bull pushing progressive values down the throats of republicans.

It can't happen - becuase of his affiliation - but I'd love to see Sanders in the Senate.

Then again - if we lose both house and senate - I may not be at DU much longer. I'm going straight to hell and defining myself as a Socialist because then I don't have to compromise for a big tent of with only moderates being catered to.

[HereSince1628]

3. Feingold and that little geeky K-something former mayor guy from Ohio

Like that could happen...

Actually, I'm just hoping Feingold gets re-elected. Go Russ! Go Dennis!

[Nite Owl]

4. I like Nancy

but as far as getting rid of Hoyer that would be a good move if it can be done. I don't know that she has any say in that.
Reid is like a stone around our necks. He's downright embarassing. I think Schumer would be very good. He is a very good Senator for NY and never has a problem getting elected here. He could keep the conservadems in line. Durbin is in line but we don't need another Senator in charge who sounds like Reid. He's also said a few things about liberals that were demeaning and would be a follower of whatever Obama wants, he would take orders.

[JustAnotherGen]

6. Gaaah

I forgot about Schumer and I campaigned for him a few years back. *slaps head and says doh*. . . but I'm much more liberal than I was even 3 years ago.

[Nite Owl]

10. If I had the choice I'd

pick Sanders too---for anything but I think they do this by seniority. I think Schumer wants it. He is rather full of himself, but he is a politician so it comes with the territory. Would be good for NY to have him as majority leader.

[Me.]

19. Not Schumer

He will sell you out faster than his dad exterminated cockroaches. Don't forget he out his full weight behind Murkasey and Chertoff. As a NYer I wish we had a different senator. I'd pick Durbin.

[alsame]

20. And his decision to not filibuster Alito. And his overall two faced

stance on just about everything - he pretends to be a liberal but sells out every chance he gets.

I'm a NYer too and would hate to see him as majority leader.

[Me.]

23. Exactly

And aren't you tired of those ads where he tells us his father was an exterminator?

[madinmaryland]

I thought about Schumer, but he might end up being a lightning rod.

Not sure if he has any issues/ties to the financial industry that could be a distraction.

[Nite Owl]

11. They all have ties to something

and I'm sure he would have choice words for some in the senate. Could be fun, I think the days of strongly worded letters would be over.

[madinmaryland]

5. Here are a few that might work in the Senate...

John Kerry
Pat Leahy
Carl Levin
Ron Wyden

[TexasProgresive]

7. The gentlemen from Florida and Minnisota

Just because it would be fun.

[Ozymanithrax]

8. We have no say in who leads the House and Senate...but this is a wish list

Senate: Boxer

House: Alan Grayson (Simply because it would be fun to wath the show)

None of that will happen because we have no say in the matter.

[leveymg]

9. Dump Reid, dump Hoyer. Get Sen. Crassus off the Finance Comm. chair, er Baucus.

Half the Blue Dog Committee chairs need to be replaced, particularly in the Senate.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. Patty Murray or Barbara Boxer - Senate Jim McDermott in the house.

[Politicub]

13. This is probably a naive question, but how did Harry Reid become Senate majority leader

in the first place?

[frazzled]

15. The members of the Democratic caucus chose him

through a vote.

[Politicub]

21. Thanks! Now I know

:hi:

[AlinPA]

16. I always scratch my head about that. He talks, acts and looks like a total weakling. I can't

believe that he has much respect in the Senate. The republicans walk right over him and the blue-dog type "Democrats" ignore him and make him look totally ineffective.

[PBS Poll-435]

24. After the loss of Tom Daschle, it was just a knee-jerk reaction.

A religious, conservative (they thought) Democrat from a safe seat in the West.

[Stinky The Clown]

27. I think you're right

That's when Democrats where falling all over themselves to appear "reasonable" to the repubicans.

[frazzled]

14. Folks, leadership is not about political positions or style

Some of the most fiery progressives in the House and Senate will tell you what the job of Speaker or Majority Leader entails, and they neither have it nor want it. You have to be an administrator, and that is not suited to everyone's liking, temperament, or talent. Half of it is scheduling and strategy and timing of legislation. It's about being able to make backroom deals with members of your own party and handle delicate negotiations with the other party: and to do that, you have to be the kind of person who is trusted to keep their word, even among your enemies.

There are a lot of politicians I really like, but I don't think they'd make particulary good candidates for Senate Majority Leader or House Speaker.

[Stinky The Clown]

22. I think you're absolutely right

That's why I continue to favor Pelosi. She wins on two scores: organization and political compass.

[Kolesar]

17. Sherrod Brown...eom

[YOY]

18. Whoever we put in charge the assholes are going to call them "liberal"

As though it was an insult.

Even in they aren't.

[northoftheborder]

25. congress. leaders:

Pelosi - keep her; she's been outstanding in a very difficult time. Dump Reid, Dick Durbin is in the leadership already, and is well liked, liberal, don't know if he would want it.

[emulatorloo]

26. Pelosi. Dick Durbin

[Swamp Rat]

28. TIME FOR REAL CHANGE!!! - Alan Grayson in the House of Reps. and Al Franken in the Senate

:patriot:

[Rageneau]

29. Tom Harkin & Barney Frank