The Hill Has New Eyes

On the scene as the Dems retake D.C.

by Mary F. Patel

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Published: Jan 10, 2007

WASHINGTON — The new sheriff finally arrived on Jan. 4. As newly elected and returning members of the U.S. House and Senate were sworn in, the nation's Democrats finally realized their dream of returning to power as the majority party in both chambers. In one fell swoop, they went from being the runt on the beach who's always getting sand kicked in his face and his girl taken away to — well, we need to wait and see whether they'll play nice with others now that the tables are turned.

In the Capitol's Senate chambers, legislators enjoyed a confab before the formal swearing-in, which was conducted by Vice President Dick Cheney. Senatorial spouses hung outside in the hallways while the production was getting underway; there, Bill Clinton chatted with reporters while waiting for his wife to take the oath.

Inside, Sen. Hillary Clinton held court with former Sen. Max Cleland, while potential presidential rival Sen. Barack Obama attracted a slew of fans across the room.

After the noon start of the program, groups of senators stood on the dais before Cheney and placed their hands on Bibles. As each group was sworn in, Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) clapped and exclaimed, "Hallelujah!"

Cheney later head-ed downstairs for the "mock swearing in" ceremonies in an ornate marble room. That is where photos and video are permitted so senators and their families can pose for official pictures. While this show went on, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was speaking to a nearly empty chamber about the importance of Democrats and Republicans working together.

"Voters want change and they want someone to pay attention to their needs," said Reid.

"I was talking to the president late last night about what will be done in the next 22 months."

Of course, Reid may soon have to pay attention to personal matters since convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who reported to federal prison last November, allegedly implicated Reid as part of his cooperation deal.

At the swearing-in reenactments, the Clintons and daughter Chelsea enjoyed the surging crowd, having lived in the public eye long enough to know to look both ways for the cameras. Not far behind them was Pennsylvania's new junior Sen. Bob Casey, who took his place with Cheney again along with his wife Terese and daughters Elyse, Caroline, Julia and Marena.

Afterward, the foreign and national press descended on Casey, who held an impromptu press conference in the corridor. That afternoon, his party was held at the nearby Hyatt Regency hotel. Hundreds poured into the ballroom to wish the new senator well — if they could get near Casey who, like Obama, appeared to have reached rock-star status.

The Other Bob

The Cannon Office Building was quiet since House members — forced to run for re-election every two years, they were all sworn in that day — had still not returned from the House floor. (Newly appointed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was still making her post-appointment remarks, causing massive delays for the congressional merriment.) Some, such as U.S. Rep. and city Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady, bailed early to return to their offices. Brady's was full of well-wishers who dropped by before heading off to Casey's event.

 

Brady's last election was a gimme, so the bigger news was about Brady's mayoral candidacy, which he will formally announce Jan. 25. "I've assembled my team," said Brady. The "team" so far is Ken Snyder, Ken Smukler and Ernie DeNofa.

Brady said he wanted the truth to be known about the speculation surrounding former City Controller Jonathan Saidel's sudden dropping-out from the mayoral picture last month.

"I want to be clear that I had nothing to do with it," said Brady. "Jonathan left on his own and I told him to stay in but he didn't. I really tried to convince him."

Brady's biggest competition right now seems to be his House colleague, Chaka Fattah, who announced last month. When asked if he and Fattah would remain friendly if he were to win, Brady said he thought so and that Fattah would get over it eventually.

(rcpatel@aol.com)

 

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