Congress will need to work extra hard to complete its statutory business and confront the Bush administration on spending.

Free trade is a growing issue in American politics, but changes in public opinion, congressional elections, and structural factors will likely put free trade instincts on hold in the near future.

Republicans cannot hope to retake the majority in Congressunless they can win in competitive seats where moderates play well.

2008 does not look like a promising year for women in politics.

There have been several early signs suggesting a new assertiveness on the part of the moderates, an unwillingness to be viewed as lapdogs to their leadership.