Any thoughts or opinions on the newly elected Democrats of 2004?
In Michigan we had only one open seat election among our Governor-Senate-Congressman races (won by Republican Joe Swartz) this year. However, I am interested in hearing about the newly elected Democratic Congressmen/Senators/Governors from elsewhere. Barack Obama is probably the best known among them, but I haven't heard a lot (here or elsewhere) about most of the others. So, let's take a look at our newly elected Governors/Senators/Congressmen for this year (most seem to be relatively centrists, but I admit to knowing little about them). Which seem to be "reform Democrats"? Which are "DLCers"? Which have a bit of both in them? Thoughts are welcome.
Also, if you would like to discuss newly elected state legislative or county figures that you feel have potential you can feel free to add that as well (for instance: in Michigan I think Oakland County Commissioner/ex-State Rep. David Woodward could very well have a bright future in this state). Roll call of the newly elected Governors/Senators/Congressmen:
Governors
Brian Schweitzer - Montana
John Lynch - New Hampshire
Christine Gregoire - Washington (possible legal challenge)
Senators
Barack Obama - Illinois
Ken Salazar - Colorado
Congressmen
John Barrow - Georgia
Melissa Bean - Illinois
Dan Boren - Oklahoma
G.K. Butterfield - North Carolina
Russ Carnahan - Missouri
Emmanuel Cleaver - Missouri
Edited to add: Jim Costa - California
Al Green - Texas
Brian Higgins - New York
Dan Lipinski - Illinois
Charlie Melancon - Louisiana
Gwen Moore - Wisconsin
John Salazar - Colorado
Allyson Schwartz - Pennsylvania
Debbie Wasserman-Shultz - Florida
If I missed any please feel free to let me know.