To the Point

The Republican Victory

Since the days of the Whigs and the Federalists, the US has been a two-party nation, each party flexing its biceps in respective areas, but today-s 109th Congress is enjoying an historic single-party dominance. Republicans control the White House, Senate and House of Representatives. With controversial judicial nominations before the Senate, and expected dissent from the minority Democrats, Majority Leader Bill Frist will push for "the nuclear option," a rules change that would end the centuries-old ability for the minority party to filibuster majority proposals. Is this an isolated moment for the GOP or the temporary ebb and flow of political power? Guest host Diana Nyad explores the political power of the right with political reporters and Republican political leaders from Texas and Colorado. Making News: Election Day for LA Mayor By day's end, the Los Angeles mayoral election will be over. As polls opened this morning, favorite Antonio Villaraigosa led by ten points, positioning him to become the city's first Latino mayor since 1882. Meanwhile, the campaign of incumbent Jim Hahn has been gaining momentum over the past couple weeks. Raphe Sonenshein, Professor of Political Science at California State University, Fullerton, looks at the dynamics of the race. Reporter-s Notebook: Anniversary of Massachusetts- Gay Marriage Ruling A year ago today, Massachusetts made gay marriage legal. While other states, such as Maine, are considering the same move, 13 others resoundingly banned same-sex marriage on last November-s ballots. One of today's hottest social issues, some political analysts credit it for putting George W. Bush back into the President-s seat. Elizabeth Mehren is New England Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times.