WP: Changes in Store for Senate Leaders [View All]

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Term Limit Pledge Means Chairmen Will Shift Even if GOP Retains Majority

Regardless of whether Republicans or Democrats win control of the Senate in November, the chamber will face significant changes in some of its most influential leadership and policy posts over the next two years.

A Democratic takeover would clearly produce the most far-reaching upheaval, extending from the post of majority leader through every committee and subcommittee chairmanship, and producing a dramatic shift in political priorities for the chamber.

But major changes will also occur if Republicans keep their current majority, starting in January with a wrenching game of musical chairs at several key committees, prompted by term limits that GOP senators imposed on themselves in the mid-1990s.

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For Republicans, there will be additional chairmanship changes in 2006 and, even more important, a wholesale reshuffling of GOP leadership posts, prompted by the anticipated retirement of Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.) and a domino effect on other jobs. Throughout the period, maneuvering is anticipated by GOP senators -- including Sens. Rick Santorum (Pa.), John McCain (Ariz.), Chuck Hagel (Neb.), George Allen (Va.) and Frist -- all of whom appear to be interested in running for president in 2008.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2929-2004Oct2.html