In total , in the Senate , there will be 16 new members ( 13 Republicans , three Democrats ) -- the largest freshman class in that chamber since 1980 . * * * If asked , Daley will accept : Regarding the staff reshuffling at the White House , we can report this : If former Clinton Commerce Secretary Bill Daley is offered the chief of staff job , he will accept . * * * McConnell 's reminder : As mentioned above , Democrats ' first order of legislative business in the Senate will be an effort to change the Senate rules , limiting the minority party 's ability to filibuster or block legislation , NBC 's Strickland has reported .