The Aftermath

The 2010 elections were critical election for both the Democratic and Republican Parties. The Democrats knew in order to continue bring about the type of legislation they wanted they had to hold on to the majority rule in both the House and the Senate, because they had a difficult time passing legislation when they had control so losing it would bring about more strife. The Republicans fought most of the legislation Democrats put forward between 2008 and 2010, in order to prevent these types of bills from passing, they knew this election would have to be a must win, especially in the House. With approval ratings for the democrats on the decline Republicans saw this as their time to bring about the congressional reform they thought was needed.

Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, likely to be the next Speaker of the House

After the elections there was a great shift of power in favor of the Republicans. Congress has undergone some serious remodeling, in the Senate Republicans picked up six seats bring their total to 47, but Democrats maintain control with 53seats. The major change came around in the House of Representatives; Republicans gained control of the House by picking up 61 seats bring their new total to 240 and the Democrats to 190.

The New York Times Maps the 2010 U.S. Midterm Elections

The Democrats now have to seriously hustle before the new majority takes hold of the House if they want to put forth any policy change. Because if they don’t it will become even more difficult than before to do so. But they run the risk of burning any compromises they could put forward next year by pushing their far left agendas now before the new majority takes hold. In the end however it does look like the Democrats are going to be able to successfully be able to put forth any major policy changes for a while.