Voters went to the polls on November 2nd to send a strong message to Congress and the White House – and that message was simply “we want change.”  While the Senate managed to hold on to their now slim Democrat majority, the House surrendered power to the Republicans in a sweeping win that may result in at least 60 seats gained.  Republicans gained at least six seats in the Senate but were unable to secure the 10 seats needed to take back control of that chamber as well.  Nonetheless, GOP supporters were hailing their win in the House, with likely new House speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) declaring, “Across the country right now, we are witnessing a repudiation of Washington, a repudiation of big government and repudiation of politicians who refuse to listen to the people.”

The change in leadership in the House could translate into gridlock in the Congress as President Obama’s agenda meets with likely opposition in that body.  While President Obama enjoyed a 66 percent approval rating following his election in 2008, that rating has dropped steeply to just 44 percent in exit polls following this mid-term election.  The recent election will undoubtedly embolden Republicans in both the House and Senate to stand up to the President’s agenda – including the upcoming debate over the tax extensions.

The most likely candidate for House Speaker, Rep. John Boehner, already indicated that his agenda for the House includes spending cuts, helping small businesses and reducing the size of the federal government.  Rep. Boehner will undoubtedly push hard to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanently – including the onerous Estate or “death” tax – and repeal much of the new health care law.  The new GOP majority in the House will be working closely with the very conservative tea party members to push for a new Republican agenda in the House.  Legislative initiatives will be likely tougher to push through Congress in light of the new, more closely divided Senate and the leftover bad feelings after the angry rhetoric of the mid-term elections.

Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), put it succinctly when he told reporters that his top goal over the next two years is to make President Obama a “one-term president”.  Although Sen. McConnell clarified that he did not want the President to fail, “I want him to change”.