Democrats lead Congress for first time in 12 years

Worker-friendly politicians ride ‘national wave’ to victory in House and Senate

“A NATIONAL WAVE” of voter anxiety. That is how CNN political analyst Amy Walter described the environment in which Democrats might possibly take back the House and Senate as she addressed Boilermakers at last year’s LEAP conference.

Walter warned Boilermakers that such a scenario was unlikely although polls were showing signs of widespread public unrest. In the months following her presentation, a wave did appear ― fueled by anxiety over the war in Iraq, the economy, and jobs, and a mounting disenchantment with Pres. Bush. That wave lifted worker-friendly politicians into majorities in both houses of Congress in midterm elections last November.

Promising a more ethical approach to politics ― and less partisan rancor ― the Democratic majority has begun settling in to its new leadership role. A mix of progressives and centrists, Democratic congressional leaders face the daunting tasks of fulfilling campaign promises while seeking the cooperation of moderate Republicans and overcoming the veto threat of an unpopular president.

Who are these Democrats now holding the reins of Congress?  The following stories profile the new House leaders and six new senators who played a major role in shifting power in the U.S. Senate.

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