Eminent Domain

When Democrats take control of the Senate in January, they will immediately assume far more power to influence President Bush's agenda, particularly his choice of executive and judicial nominations that must pass through the chamber.

By virtue of their new 51-49 majority, Democrats will now control the committees and the floor schedule - a factor that Bush will have to weigh in his selection process.

"It means send us more moderate people or don't waste your time," said Sen. Richard. J. Durbin of Illinois, the second-in-command and a member of the Judiciary Committee, which considers judgeship nominees. Republicans acknowledge the shift will be a significant factor in high-profile nominations, such as any to fill Supreme Court vacancies, in the remainder of the president's term. But they also note that the Senate tradition of respecting the rights of the minority also gives them the same opportunities to influence the agenda that Democrats perfected during their years out of power.

"It is clearly going to be harder to get his people through, not easier," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a White House ally who also sits on the Judiciary Committee.