Pork vs. cynicism

Tim Dickinson at Rolling Stone makes an argument for John Murtha as Majority Leader. 

I agree with him about Steny Hoyer.  But is the only choice between "just another stuffed Armani suit" and a man who seems to embrace corruption as a right?  Can you blame the increasing numbers of us who are voting for "none of the above"?  Is there not one single Democrat in Congress who could be a respectable Majority Leader? 

No?

Really? 

We're in trouble!

Joe Conason seems discouraged.

Even worse is the appearance of business as usual, after an election in which millions of citizens demanded change. As Pelosi takes up her constitutional responsibilities, she will hear many people say that she is no different from her tainted predecessors, that all politicians are crooked and that Democrats are just as compromised as Republicans. Her most important responsibility is to prove those cliches untrue. If she fails to deliver reform, her historic reign will be disappointing—and possibly quite brief.

All I know is that -- seven days later -- the rejoicing about the election results has died down as Democrats worry about their leaders. I hope they don't betray the really good new people many of us have supported through tough campaigns.  I'd hate to see Tester and Brown and McCaskill -- and so many other new representatives of the people  -- wind up slogging through the same old swamp.

Update:  Jubilant Republicans.

Downtrodden Republicans enjoyed the spectacle of the split between Ms. Pelosi and those Democrats who rallied behind Mr. Hoyer. “I can’t believe they are self-destructing before they even get started,” said Representative Ray LaHood, Republican of Illinois. “Everyone on our side is giddy.”

I think the jubilation will be short-term.  It's a matter of how long it will take reform-minded Democrats -- newly elected to the House -- to exert pressure on the current party leadership.