D.C. Notes: Welcome to the Democratic Majority

Here's why the Democrats are going to keep their promises to raise the minimum wage and raise the ethical bar for office-holders without even hearing from the opposition: "We're going to honor the decision of our country" in the November midterms, incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a brunch before her swearing-in. Two years ago, Republicans felt similarly (remember Bush's 51% mandate), but now, of course, they are outraged. As New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter told me yesterday, "I know what they want. They don't want us to do to them what they did to us."

New Virginia Senator Jim Webb suggested that that was the likeliest outcome though. "Of course there are some people who don't want any oversight of this administration, and to them I say: 'Welcome to the Democratic majority.'"

I asked a few members if the Democrats had the will and the discipline to use that majority to cut off funding for the war, and none gave an unqualified "yes." And there was a general sense that the Democratic script is still open to revision.

"So, anyway," Pelosi said in concluding her remarks at the brunch, "So much to do! Much easier with a gavel! We've done it!"

Not quite yet they haven't.

Previously: D.C. Notes: The Democrats Dress Up