With George Allen’s concession speech, the Democratic takeover of Congress is complete. Pop the champagne, revel in the victory – and then get down to work.
Even with the majorities, the Dems have some challenges ahead. I expect that the big tent party may experience a bit of infighting, as liberal, moderate and conservative Dems each try to advance their own agendas. Will they agree enough to “drain the swamp” in the first 100 hours?
Day One: Put new rules in place to “break the link between lobbyists and legislation.”
Day Two: Enact all the recommendations made by the commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Time remaining until 100 hours: Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, maybe in one step. Cut the interest rate on student loans in half. Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds.
All the days after that: “Pay as you go,” meaning no increasing the deficit, whether the issue is middle class tax relief, health care or some other priority.
Obviously, they are going to need to do something about Iraq. The report from the Baker Commission should be instrumental in directing that effort. I won’t be surprised, however, if we are still in Iraq in two years.
But two years is what the Democrats have to prove to those who gave them this opportunity that they can govern, that they can move us forward.
Two years. Not a lot of time.
Please make the best of it.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 