Why Can't We Be Friends?

Bringing the Democratic party back together for the general election is going to require hard work from both candidates, local and state officials, and party leaders. I've wanted to check out what congressional establishment party leaders are neutral at this point, and thus are likely to play a pivotal role in bringing the party back together. It's also important to note that their endorsements could help bring this race to a close

Leadership:
President Pro Temp: Robert Byrd (I can't imagine he's capable of helping much)
Senate Majority Leader: Harry Reid (essential)
Speaker: Nancy Pelosi (essential)
House Majority Leader: Steny Hoyer
House Majority Whip: Jim Clyburn (only technically neutral)

Committee Charimen:
Tom Harkin (S. Agriculture)
Carl Levin (S. Armed Services) (pretty important)
Max Baucus (S. Finance)
Joe Biden (S. Foreign Relations) (very important)
Daniel Akaka (S. Veterans)
Collin Peterson (H. Agriculture)
John Spratt (H. Budget)
Howard Berman (H. Foreign Affairs)
Robert Brady (H. Administration)
Henry Waxman (H. Oversight) (somewhat important)
Bart Gordon (H. Science and Tech)
Bob Filner (H. Veterans) (not really important at all)

I Imagine that Al Gore and John Edwards will be asked to play some sort of role. Also, several leading Obama and Clinton backers including Ted Kennedy, Charles Rangel, Chuck Schumer, and the like are going to be instrumental in bringing the establishment back together.

BTW, I promise everything won't be about politics!

-JRo