Apr 1, 2007

Possible Democratic Partners?

Business trade groups have been allied with the Republican Party for years. How will their agenda fare under the new Democratic majority?

 

Sen. Blanche Lincoln
Arkansas
Business groups view her as a key ally in the Democratic caucus. She voted for the Central America free trade accord and the Bush tax cuts. She also supports issuing more H1-B visas.

Sen. Ken Salazar
Colorado
In January, this moderate lawmaker joined the Finance Committee, which oversees the tax code, tariffs, free trade deals, and import quotas. Cultivating him may be a twofer: His brother serves in the House.

Rep. Nydia Velázquez
New York (12th District)
As chair of the House Small Business Committee, she's been a critic of the administration's handling of small-business programs. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has her ear.

Sen. Richard Durbin
Illinois
Along with Lincoln, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat shopped a group health plan bill in the last Congress. Since he faces reelection in 2008, he is probably eager to get something done.