"Barney Frank, the Massachusetts liberal known for his sharp tongue, was widely expected to be a scourge of business in the new Democratic Congress."

"Instead, he has forged multiple alliances with key Republicans and steamrolled his legislative agenda through the House, making him an exception in an increasingly partisan institution, a successful compromiser. This has made him a pivotal figure in Washington’s response to the subprime mortgage meltdown, a topic that has consumer the House Financial Services Committee since he became chairman, alongside other issues from executive compensation to affordable housing." Dow Jones 12-10-07 By Damian Paletta