Julian Zelizer : Washington is gridlocked and leans conservative . The GOP has a majority in the House, but it's not clear that they have enough votes to pass legislation through the Senate. Trying programs out locally can set groundwork for Washington action in coming years , he says .
Julian Zelizer : Washington is gridlocked and leans conservative . But liberals can launch social programs at lower levels , Zelizer says . Trying programs out locally can set groundwork for Washington action in coming years , he says .