I remember when McCarrick was appointed from Newark, where he actually had a reputation as being fairly conservative. However, that was years ago, when "conservative" practically just meant that the bishop drew the line at clown masses and did not let clergy sign their names to pro-abortion petitions. I think perhaps our definition of conservative has evolved to something a little more demanding!
Bp. Wuerl sounds rather moderate, all told, but Freepers who live in Pittsburgh seem to like him. Maybe the Vatican was looking for someone who was solid but not very conflict-oriented; in addition, several people have posted that he is very adept at handling the media, which would certainly be necessary for DC.
Young might have hit the nail on the head.
I know very little about Wuerl other than I find his speaking style a bit dull (he has a program that pops up on Catholic TV sometimes), but I do own one of his books.
The impression I get from a distance is that he maintains McCarrick personability, while being a bit more prolific in his writing and use of media.
His Theology is probably a bit more on the orthodox side, but I don't think Georgetown is quaking, but I also don't think CU will be unhappy with him.
It may even lead to an bump in Vocations..though not so great you'd notice if you weren't looking for it.
I lived in the Neewark Archdiocese and was confirmed by Cardinal McCarrick, and never once have I heard someone say he was fairly conservative. Maybe not as explicitly liberal as some, but mostly liberl. Bishop Wuerl will be a great improvement.