While Democrats failed to win a majority in either house of Congress in this week's election, party leaders envision greater influence due to their gains in the House and Senate.
Republicans promise improved cooperation but vow to stay in charge.
That is not in doubt,'' said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. It doesn't get much closer than the Senate, where the possibility of a 50-50 tie hinged on the Washington state race between GOP Sen. Slade Gorton and Democratic challenger Maria Cantwell that remained too close to call Wednesday. Democrats had already picked up three seats, making it 50 Republicans and 49 Democrats at this point. Another complication in the final Senate lineup was the unsettled presidential race. In any case, Democrats cannot control the Senate.