The 2010 Midterm Election was one of the most contentious in recent memory. Republicans gained 61 seats in the House of Representatives, giving them a solid majority, while Democrats maintained their majority in the Senate.  The Tea Party also gained ground with the election to the Senate of Marco Rubio in Florida, Rand Paul in Kentucky, and Mike Lee in Utah, among others, and positioned itself to play an important role int he 2012 presidential election.

Other highlights included:

Republican John Boehner of Ohio has been selected to be Speaker of the House.

Eric Cantor will serve as majority leader for the Republican Party.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, CA will remain House Democratic Leader.