good riddance to the 109th congress

Much reminiscing and recriminating withing GOP circles about the impending end of their 12 years of power in Congress (less that period where the Democrats controlled the Senate early in the de facto Bush administration's first term). As Newt Gingrich said, after a fast start, "we ... failed."

Good, because if they had been more successful at passing their agenda, things would have been even worse.

The lame-duck 109th Congress wrapped up its last session this week. It did a couple of decent things -- passing legislation on the civil nuclear deal with India -- but naturally, managed to get in some more tax breaks and perks for the Republicans' friends in big business.

The 109th Congress -- we won't miss you.