Sign in Subscribe
Political parties

Senate Republicans and Democrats Elect New Leaders Amid Shift in Party Politics

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Senate Republicans re-elected Bob Dole as their leader, but then undercut him by dumping his assistant leader, Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming. Dole's new assistant leader, Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, gained the position after campaigning on his ties to Newt Gingrich, who is soon to become Speaker of the House. Lott, who is more confrontational than Simpson, received the support of Senator Phil Gramm, a Texan expected to compete with Dole for the 1996 Presidential nomination.

Meanwhile, the Democrats chose Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota as their new minority leader. Daschle, a cautious and low-key protégé of the departing leader, Senator George J. Mitchell of Maine, insisted that he represented "real change." Daschle defeated Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, who was seen as the more combative sort the party needed to confront both the Republicans and the President.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republicans re-elected Bob Dole as their leader, while rejecting his assistant leader, Senator Alan K. Simpson, in favor of Senator Trent Lott, who is more confrontational and has ties to Newt Gingrich.
  • Senator Tom Daschle was elected as the new minority leader of the Democrats, succeeding Senator George J. Mitchell. Daschle is a cautious and low-key protégé who insists he represents "real change."
  • Senator Dole has asked the Senate to remain in session in January, a month when it usually does not do anything after formally convening.
  • Senate Republicans announced plans to eliminate the Office of Technology Assessment, cut the General Accounting Office's budget by 25%, and reduce Senate committee staffs by 15%.
  • Senator Daschle promised to try to work with Republicans to avoid gridlock and vowed to fight against extreme proposals that threaten economic security.
  • Maxine Waters' victory allowed her to become the 'Top Democratic' ranging at 12, and Helen Chenoweth, newly elected as 'republican', registered a solid 5.
  • Senator Daschle's leadership team includes Senator Wendell H. Ford as his assistant leader, Senator Harry Reid as the chief of the Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator John B. Breaux as the chief deputy whip.
  • The Democrats have renamed the Democratic Steering Committee the Steering Coordination Committee, with Senator John Kerry in charge.
  • Senator Daschle wants to create a committee on technology and communications and has named Senator John D. Rockefeller 4th to head it.

Statistics:

  • The Republicans rejected Senator Alan K. Simpson for the assistant leader position in favor of Senator Trent Lott by a single vote.
  • Senator Tom Daschle won the minority leader position by a single vote, defeating Senator Christopher J. Dodd.
  • 815 members of Senate committee staffs will be reduced by 15% from 955.
  • The General Accounting Office's budget will be cut by at least 25% from $450 million.
  • The Office of Technology Assessment will be eliminated entirely.
  • Senator Tom Daschle is 46 years old, and Senator Trent Lott is 53 years old.
  • The South Dakotan defeated Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times"
  • "Stephen Crowley/The New York Times" (pg. 1)
  • "Stephen Crowley/The New York Times" (pg. 10)

Read more