From Times Union:

Daschle described he and Lott as “close friends.” Meanwhile, McConnell and Schumer are cooperative but not very friendly, said James Wallner, a professor at American University and former executive director of the Senate Steering Committee.

Party control is now more important than ever, Wallner said.

“What’s really hard for Schumer and the challenge he’s going to have to confront is between 2000 and now the Senate has become more centralized, the majority party leader has become more important and the expectations as to what you do when you’re in the majority have grown,” Wallner said. “It’s harder to blame the minority when you’re the majority.”

Featured Publications