Schumer Confronts Turbulent Transition to Power

The only thing clear about the biggest shakeup in the Senate Democratic hierarchy in a decade is that Chuck Schumer will be the next leader. After that, uncertainty abounds, and the New York senator has some very touchy decisions on his hands. They revolve around whom he will bring into his leadership circle, starting with whether to keep Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin in the critical No. 2 whip job and rippling down many layers from there. Though some calls will undoubtedly be punted for months — leadership elections won’t happen until November 2016 — jockeying is bound to begin Monday evening when Democratic leaders gather for the first time since Minority Leader Harry Reid’s surprise retirement announcement late last month.