ELECTION FALLOUT
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Dems Torn: Too Much Change, or Not Enough?
Do voters want them to ditch presidential agenda, or complete it?
By Harry Kimball
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Posted Nov 5, 09 9:15 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Democrats in Congress reading the tea leaves of Tuesday’s elections find themselves split: were the Republican wins in Virginia and New Jersey a vote of no confidence in the administration’s agenda, or frustration that it isn’t moving fast enough? Most agree on the first step going forward: pass health care reform. After that, it gets fractious.
One representative wants health care reform so he can “give Democrats something to be excited about” come the 2010 elections, he tells the Washington Post. Get “health care done” and then turn their “attention to the economy and jobs,” a strategist recommends. A liberal rep wants to push through the entire administration agenda—after all, “victory breeds victory.” But Sen. Jay Rockefeller isn't buying: “Don't think people in my state are going to stand up and start cheering about Copenhagen.”