The New Year promises to bring "change" to Washington. I know, I know, you have heard that one before. This time it will happen ... seriously. The congressional mid-term elections will place members' heads on the chopping block as they seek voter approval to remain in office.

Some members of Congress have already bowed out from the race in fear of voter backlash over unpopular votes on domestic agenda items pushed by the Obama Administration. No one was shocked to learn that Roland Burris (D-Ill.), who ascended to the seat left vacant from Barack Obama, would not seek reelection. However, this week another surprise came when Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) decided not to return to Congress. Political insiders were not shocked when Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) announced his decision to not seek reelection. Dodd has largely trailed in the polls and most Democrats felt they had an improved chance of holding onto the seat with Dodd out of the way.

Republicans used these announcements to attack Obama's domestic agenda and his falling approval ratings. However, it is worth noting that Republicans have experienced some losses with six congressional members announcing their retirement.

The larger story in the Republican camp comes from the struggle over control of the party as critics lashed out this week at Chairman Michael Steele, the head of the Republican National Committee. An article in the Washington Post highlights the ongoing "war of words" between Steele and Republican congressional leaders. In addtion, the civil war within the GOP continues to heat up, as the Tea Party gains steam with "conservatives" and alienates the moderate wing of the party.  The battle between moderates and conservatives is playing out in Florida as Governor Charlie Crist and Marc Rubio fight for the Republican nomination to run for an available Senate seat.  In the past, the nomination would have been a "gimme" for the popular Crist. Unquestionably, the Democrats have their own civil war, as left-wing liberals battle with blue dogs over healthcare, environment, and labor reform.

The flurry of news stories that highlight the ongoing bickering in both major political parties have me wondering ... Is 2010 the year of Independents? Personally, I think America would be served better if more Independents could win public office. Most voters are frustrated with the reocurring partisan debates over critical social and economic issues. They are fed up with elected leaders that place party interest, special interest, and self-interest before the interest of the people. Americans want common-sense real solutions that do more good than harm ... maybe Google will launch a political party in 2010.

Washington Post Article