The election created a new pecking order in the House, where Minority Leader John Boehner is expected to take over as House Speaker from Nancy Pelosi.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who was counted out by most pundits and polls, rallied to defeat challenger Sharron Angle, a Tea Party candidate.
The impact of the election outcome on the business community and freight interests is unclear. House Republicans are expected to push for less regulation and taxes, but the Senate is likely to stall most initiatives as it has done the past two years, even when both chambers were controlled by Democrats. And President Obama could veto legislation he objects to that makes it through Congress. Legislation requiring card checks instead of secret ballots to unionize businesses, for example, never gained traction in the Senate this term despite support from pro-Democrat unions and President Obama.
Congress will return to Washington in mid-November for a lame duck session to try and clear up unfinished business, including pending appropriations bills. ' Eric Kulisch
