After enduring (at least arguably) the most closely divided election in American history, Members of Congress find themselves looking forward to a most uncertain future. After four years of narrow margins in both House and Senate, the 2000 election produced an even more closely divided Congress. Leaders of the legislative parties in both chambers must find ways to be viewed as at least vaguely constructive, all the while scheming to recapture (or defend) majority status. Redistricting has moved more seats into the Sunbelt, but it's unclear - given Democratic performances in Florida and California - if this should be the cause of rejoicing for House Republicans.
    What will the next decade bring? Printed below are relatively brief answers of a group of scholars, former senator (and current scholar), a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, and a former top staffer of the House Rules Committee. In that the presidential election kept them off balance well into December, my thanks go out to all of them for the quality of their responses.