Liberal groups expect postelection results

Funny, this only seems to be a problem for liberals...and why do Democrats have to "govern from the center"? The Republicans certainly didn't!--Dictynna

Activists who helped Democrats secure Congress make clear they intend to get their reward.

By Peter Wallsten and Janet Hook, Times Staff Writers
November 12, 2006

WASHINGTON — After toppling the long-dominant Republicans in a hard-fought election, the Democratic Party's incoming congressional leaders have immediately found themselves in another difficult struggle — with their own supporters.

Some of the very activists who helped propel the Democrats to a majority in the House and Senate last week are claiming credit for the victories and demanding what they consider their due: a set of ambitious — and politically provocative — actions on gun control, abortion, national security and other issues that party leaders fear could alienate moderate voters and leave Democrats vulnerable to GOP attacks as big spenders or soft on terrorism.