>
Article snippet: Both sides can say they won the 2018 midterm elections. Democrats regained the House majority for the first time since 2010. Republicans not only held but added to their majority in the upper chamber. That split decision won't likely lead to a lot of deal-making in the new Congress next year, though both House Democrats and Senate Republicans will need to point to accomplishments when their majorities will be up for grabs in 2020. Here's what to look for the rest of 2018 and into the new year. Leadership battles The focus will be on the House and the big question is: Who will be the next Speaker? Rep. MORE (D-Calif.) is the odds-on favorite, but she will have to offer concessions to restless members of the Democratic Caucus who have publicly called for new leadership. Pelosi, 78, has already floated the notion of being a “transitional” Speaker though that is unlikely to win over her Democratic critics. And what exactly does “transitional” mean? Is that 2, 4 or 6 more years? Pelosi will be pressed on this question. However, Pelosi has the experience of leading the House during a Republican president and passing landmark legislation, most notably the Affordable Care Act. Finger-pointing Republicans already were finger-pointing before the election about losing the House and that will only intensify now. House Republicans will blame the White House and the president will likely point to the large number (44) of House GOP retirements — including the decision by Speak... Link to the full article to read more