The dust has finally settled on the invective-laden midtermelections (I sure won't miss those automated phone messages), andthe Republicans (and the Tea Party) are claiming a major victory onCapitol Hill. (Although AA&B readers taking a website poll are skeptical that Congressional changeswill improve the economy — 42 percent of them didn't think thingswould change for the better.)

Say what you will, one good outcome is the fresh new influx inCongress of small businessmen — 20 of them. Consider Robert Dold, newly elected representative for the 10thIllinois district. His family business is Rose Pest Solutions, awell-recognized name in the Chicago area. Or new FloridaRep. Steve Southerland, who owns a funeral home.

Although none of the new crop of legislators seems to be anindependent insurance agent, as small businessmen they all feel thesame pain that everyone who has to meet a payroll has beenstruggling with over the past two or more years. And although allare Republicans, the political idealogy of most seems to be morecentrist than extreme.