Speaker Nancy Pelosi is one of the most well-known lawmakers in history. But will her notoriety help Democrats or swell Republican ranks next year?

Unlike presidents and celebrities, congressional leaders usually labor in anonymity. Despite their inside-the-Beltway power and name ID, former House Speakers such as Carl Albert, John McCormack, and Thomas Foley were not exactly household names. Normally it takes a scandal–like the resignation of Speaker Jim Wright over alleged impropriety related to a book publishing deal–to raise the profile of congressional leaders among the general public. And even then, interest is short-lived.