It has been more than five months since the 2014 midterm elections and the Democratic Caucus may be worse off than it was in November.

At the midterms, the Republican Party achieved its largest majority across the country at all levels in nearly a century — and most importantly, the largest majority in Congress since 1928.

And considering the recent developments concerning Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate caucus’ leadership appears to be in shambles and the national party is no more organized.

Considering the current state of affairs, the Democratic Party should easily be troubled as things seem dire. However, their cause for concern should only be temporary. With Hillary expected to announce her campaign in a week or so and a few bright individuals ready to take Congress by storm, the Democrats will soon be on the upswing.

This past week, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid announced he would not seek re-election in 2016. Although no formal reason was given, many suspect his gruesome eye injury on New Year’s Eve and his age are main factors. Although Reid has never been one for scandal, news of his retirement has certainly started several conspiracies —somewhat irrelevant to this column, you should check out the conspiracies, it’s some “House of Cards” level stuff.

Reid’s main concern, however, has been his lieutenants. Upon announcing his retirement, Reid proclaimed his endorsement for Schumer for Minority Leader. Many expected Durbin to stay on as the Minority Whip. So much so that Durbin’s camp jumped the gun and stated that Schumer supports Durbin as Whip. Schumer’s camp awkwardly denied the claim, and the ensuing publicity battle is reminiscent of a second grade playground fight.

To make matters worse, Menendez was indicted last week on corruption and bribery charges regarding a Florida doctor, lavish gifts, exotic trips, etc. Although Menendez plead not guilty and is expected to put up a vicious fight against the Department of Justice, the result of the trial — guilty or not — will leave a stain on the Democratic caucus heading into the massively important 2016 elections.

Assuming Schumer gets the Minority Leader vote, the caucus will be in good hands. His voting record proves that he genuinely believes in fundamental democratic principles while not playing the petty partisanship game.

And, with Durbin’s firm presence on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the Democratic Caucus will have a loud voice to combat the inevitable backlash of the proposed Iran nuclear deal framework announced by President Barack Obama. Durbin is also expected to be key in the White House’s future relations with Israel.

The best part of Schumer and Durbin assuming more responsibility is the opportunity given to other members of the leadership. Most assume that Schumer’s promotion will pave an easy path for Sen. Patty Murray (D-Was.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to move to higher-ranking positions and modernize the caucus.

Finally, Florida. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has hinted that he will not re-run for his Senate seat in 2016 even if he loses the presidential bid. As the Republican Party has quickly propped up several possible candidates for his vacancy, the Democrats have lingered without much to say. From the rubble, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.) has emerged. The outgoing, 31-year-old former Republican may be exactly what Democrats need. And, being familiar with the swing state’s districts, Murphy could have a legitimate shot to breathe new life into the Democratic Caucus come 2016.

It’s easy to be frustrated with the party right now, but, with the pieces available, the Democratic leadership should go for it all come 2016 and the outcome will likely be better than expected.

Eric Dunay is a freshman in the School of Architecture. His column appears weekly. He can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter @ERock_28.

Published on April 7, 2015 at 12:27 am