The incoming Democratic majority has already picked their leaders. Harry Reid, as expected will be the Majority Leader.
When the 110th Congress convenes in January, Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois will be Reid's deputy as the vote-counting majority whip.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., will continue serving as the cash-raising campaign committee chairman, and also will assume the title of vice chairman of the Democratic caucus. As such, Reid said, Schumer will act as a utility man who will tend to whatever policy or political matters require.
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington will serve as conference secretary. Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota will chair the caucus' policy committee, which holds oversight hearings and researches legislative proposals, while Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, will head the party steering committee.
That panel, in turn, was meeting later Tuesday to choose committee chairmen.
That was done quickly and with a lot less fuss than what appears to be likely in the House.
