The panel ended where it began--with a discussion of the actual issues that are likely to come to a vote soon. Hellman, whose boss Hastert has perhaps more influence on next year's legislative agenda than almost any other Republican, spoke of defense and education, Social Security and incremental tax relief.

He said a fight for the fruits of the surplus, particularly with slower economic growth, would likely mark Congress' first public battle.

At least one representative was undeterred by the battle plan at hand. During the hour and a half-long session, Ric Keller, a lawyer elected to represent Florida's 8th district, scribbled away on a faxed copy of a bill he was proposing. He wants to increase Pell Grants, and he says he has "broad bipartisan support." The first day Congress is in session, he says, he'll throw the legislation in the hopper.

"I plan on hitting the ground running," he says.

--Staff Writer Marc J. Ambinder can be reached at ambinder@fas.harvard.edu.