Elections May Bring New Accord In Senate

McConnell, Reid Have History of Deal-Making

Regardless of whether Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) or Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) prevails as the Senate's next majority leader, one thing seems certain: Either one will show more interest in the institution's often obscure traditions than the departing majority leader, Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).

What that means as a practical matter, however, is less certain. Some congressional scholars say it could mean greater bipartisan accord because McConnell and Reid are consummate deal-makers whose top priority is legislative achievement, whereas Frist's presidential ambitions have shadowed his comments and deeds as majority leader. But both men are also dogged by questions about financial dealings that could provide ammunition for opponents in the next Congress, which is virtually sure to be narrowly divided.

McConnell and Reid rose through the Senate ranks by mastering the rules and building strong relationships with colleagues. Both are combative lawyer-politicians who overcame childhood challenges and are now in their mid-60s. Unlike Frist, a surgeon, they are veteran practitioners of the Senate's opaque, clubby brand of politics, with no apparent desire to become president or grab television time to espouse their parties' goals.

Many senators say that either Reid or McConnell, because of their backgrounds, can lead the Senate with more skill than Frist, 54, who struggled to build winning coalitions on issues such as immigration, Social Security and the nominations of several judges and John R. Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/28/AR2006102800712.html

it would be only fair to offer the minority senators the same courtesy we have been subject to.

After all, it's not brain surgery....