With the gavel in both chambers come more staff jobs, more money for Democratic-leaning K Street lobbying firms, and a sea change for President Bush’s administration. Here are other local winners and losers:
Winners
Stetson’s—This dive bar on U Street swings Democratic and was the site of the party’s unofficial victory bash the Friday after the election.
Volvo owners—Owners of these cars are a solid Democratic voting bloc.
Maryland—With Prince George’s congressman Steny Hoyer poised to be one of the most powerful Democrats, the state will likely see more money—especially the University of Maryland.
AARP—The “new” House committee chairs like John Dingell (80 years old), Charlie Rangel (76), David Obey (68), and Henry Waxman (67) are guaranteed to give AARP a friendly hearing.
Charlie Cook—The careful pundit called the race early for the Democrats and appeared to be everywhere in the run-up to the election—even as the subject of a fawning story in the Washington Post.
John Podesta— For the first time since the founding of his leftist Center for American Progress think tank, Democrats are in a position to do something.
Trinity University—The local alma mater of the likely House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, should see its profile rise.
The Naval Academy—Newly minted senator Jim Webb took a lot of heat in the campaign for his criticism of women at his old alma mater. Look for him to now play the role of loyal alum.
Losers
Smith Point—The trendy bar, a onetime favorite of the Bush twins, was the center of the young Republican elite. On election night, its party went very quiet as results came in.
Jaguar owners—According to market research, owners of these cars are among the most likely to vote—and they trend heavily Republican.
Virginia—One of the region’s strongest advocates, Congressman Tom Davis, has been relegated to the minority.
Dick Wadhams—Slate had called Senator George Allen’s campaign manager the heir apparent to Karl Rove. That was before Allen lost what should have been an easy reelection bid.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ area expansion plans—Democrats prefer Starbucks java to the New England–rooted coffee chain.
The Willard Hotel’s famous mint julep—Republicans may favor bourbon, but Democrats prefer a good gin and tonic or a Cognac.
John Warner—The Virginia senator loses his coveted chairmanship and will likely retire rather than face a tough reelection fight in ’08—thus bringing to a quiet end a long career of public service. Next up: Senator Tom Davis?
