That possible silver lining I mentioned? It’s all still speculation at this point, but hey, we can dream… via Roll Call:

The day after elections that were largely positive for the Democratic Party, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s future loomed over leadership races, as lawmakers waited for her to decide whether she will return for two more years at the helm of the House’s minority party.

Democratic leaders did not schedule any Wednesday conference calls or meetings with rank-and-file Members to discuss the election results or pending legislative matters such as the “fiscal cliff,” leaving Democrats in the dark about Pelosi’s thinking. And several leadership aides said they were not aware of the California Democrat’s whereabouts.

“My guess would be [Pelosi] should stay since it was such a high note for Democrats last night,” a senior Democratic aide said. “Considering how we defeated 16 incumbents last night … I think we have a lot to work with.” …

“I think she’s done,” one Democratic Member said, noting that with Obama re-elected, the Democrats’ health care overhaul will be safe from repeal, cementing a key accomplishment Pelosi helped enact.

Pelosi’s erstwhile claims that Democrats taking back the House was “very doable” we obviously tilting toward bullishness, but there’s no denying it was a great night for Democrats overall, and now she’s got to choose what to do with her leadership position. A difficult decision, I’m sure — keep riding the power-trippy high of Barack Obama’s latest victory, or retire with ObamaCare, et al and Democratic gains under your belt?

It may very well be that political parties are like hydras in that chopping off one head will only sprout more, but the prospect of no longer having to listen to Pelosi conflating entitlements and human rights; making bizarrre claims about needing to pass legislation in order to find out what’s in it; and informing us all that Republicans are actually against clean water and clean air… is a pleasing one.