CHICAGO, November 7 (RIA Novosti), Elizabeth Wojt — The Republican Party will have a questionable amount of power over the Senate following its victories in the US midterm elections, political science experts have told RIA Novosti.
"I doubt things will change all that much," Marc J. Hetherington, professor of political science at Vanderbilt University, told RIA Novosti Thursday.
"Now that Republicans have a majority in both houses of Congress, they have more incentive to compromise with the Democrats. Now they will get some credit if good things happen. After the Republicans spent the past six years relentlessly blocking the Democrats' efforts, however, I am not sure how excited Democrats will be to work together with Republicans. We might see a little more legislative activity, but I don't think the election will change things that much," Hetherington explained.
After Tuesday's midterm elections the Republicans gained majorities in both houses of Congress and won many Governors" races and state legislatures. Despite the victories and predicted Republican win over the Senate, the race was close. However, according to Vanderbilt professor of history and political science, Thomas Schwarz, the Republicans will have a considerable amount of control and power.
"Yes, it was close, but by the time that Alaska and Louisiana have decided, the Republicans will have either a nine or ten vote advantage, which is fairly significant in a body like the Senate," Schwarz told RIA Novosti.
"They will have significant leverage over the President's appointments and policies, and they will be able to investigate issues as well. I would not minimize their power," Schwarz added.
On Tuesday, Republicans took control of the US Congress by gaining the majority of the seats in the US Senate, and retaining their majority in the House of Representatives. US Congress thus became Republican-led for the first time in eight years, following the 2014 midterm elections.
The Democrats lost races in such key states as North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa — states that contributed to Obama's victory in the 2008 elections.
