The Scale of Change

The power shift in Washington and state capitals, including Harrisburg, emerging from Tuesday's elections will force a new calculus into the debates on health care, banking reform, deficit spending, consumer protection, taxes, and other sweeping economic issues.

In many cases - most notably health care - victorious Republicans promise to overturn the Democrats' wagon. President Obama says he is eager to sit down with both political parties "and figure out how we can move forward together."

Angry, recession-worn voters have spoken. But can a Republican House work with a Democratic Senate and president to deliver fixes that work for underwater homeowners, investment-wary business owners, gun-shy lenders, and the millions still unemployed?

In this roundup, The Inquirer's Business staff analyzes the likely scenarios for key issues, all with regional relevance, that drove the midterm elections, and the chances for smart - or dumb - solutions to take hold.   - Reid Kanaley