On regulatory and civil law reform matters Republicans and centrist Democrats can look for solid thinking to the rising star Phoenix Center, the Manhattan Institute, and the Kauffman Foundation, among others.

FORBES: Dear Budget Supercommittee: It's Time To Grow Up

Several conservative Democrats and centrist Republicans have said they wouldn't support Mr. Schumer's proposal to broadly expand background checks, but are open to considering a bipartisan compromise if one is reached.

WSJ: Support Grows for Vote on Gun-Control Bill

Gradually migrating Medicare to a premium support model has the support not only of Republicans but many centrist Democrats, and it could provide a bipartisan solution to the Medicare crisis.

FORBES: NBC/WSJ Poll: Americans Warming to Entitlement Reform

Local Republican leaders picked state assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava as their nominee because they felt her moderate views would appeal to centrist Republicans, independents and even some Democrats.

CNN: Analysis: Anger, frustration fuel Election Day 2009

Since legislation has to pass both houses before it goes to the president, whatever gets done over the next two years will depend on coalitions of Democrats and Republicans, coalitions that will probably include the most centrist members of either party.

NPR: Two Senators Sound the Call: Centrists, Unite!

The coming elections are likely to thin the ranks of centrist Democrats even further, and may also pick off Scott Brown of Massachusetts, one of the few remaining moderate Republicans.

ECONOMIST: Lexington