PD Editorial: A new Congress, same ineffective leadership

When a company performs dismally and its customers have nothing but critical reviews, the board of directors usually finds new leadership. The failed CEO is out, and someone who has fresh ideas to reinvigorate the brand comes in.

Then there is Congress. Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate kept their leadership teams intact despite those leaders’ inability to accomplish much of anything or to please the public.

It is tempting to blame voters for the lack of change. Even though Congress’ approval rating barely breaks out of single digits, the overwhelming majority of incumbents who sought re-election - 95 percent by one count - will return to Capitol Hill in January for another term.

Voters have some excuses, though. Gerrymandered districts protect incumbents, for example. Besides, Americans might disapprove of how Congress behaves generally; they tend to like their particular representatives and senators. They like to blame all the other ones, especially the ones from the other political party. If voters cannot or will not change their leaders, why should Congress?

In the House, Nancy Pelosi remains minority leader, Steny Hoyer remains whip and James Clyburn remains assistant Democratic leader. In the Senate, Harry Reid remains the top Democrat. Did Democrats not notice that they were shellacked on Election Day?

Reid is majority leader now. The party lost control of the Senate, and he will be minority leader in January. Under Pelosi, Democrats lost control of the House four years ago and lost a dozen more seats this year. After such a poor performance, one might expect the party to shake up the leadership, but Democrats are staying the course.

They also are not laying a foundation for the future. All are certainly capable, but none of the three House leaders is younger than 74. They’re closer to the ends of their careers than the beginnings. If there ever were a time to bring in younger blood with fresh perspectives, this is it. Reid is 72, and he at least elevated a few younger senators to his leadership team.

If there is one silver lining, it’s that Pelosi represents San Francisco and has been a friend to the region. Having her in such a position of authority means the North Coast won’t be ignored in Washington.

Meanwhile, Republicans also kept their starting lineup. In the House, John Boehner will remain speaker, Kevin McCarthy will be majority leader and Steve Scalise will be whip. In the Senate, Mitch McConnell will become majority leader.

The GOP can point to strong electoral gains under these leaders as justification for not changing. Yet that’s hardly the best measurement of success in a time of political gridlock.

Americans need leaders who can work together to find solutions to tough challenges. The leadership status quo all but ensures gridlock will continue on critical issues such as climate change, immigration reform and federal spending. Something needs to change.