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Home , Ben Quayle, Bobby Schilling, Dan Benishek, Gresham Barrett, Hansen Clarke, John Boccieri

THE FRESHMEN House Members

ALABAMA (2) (5) ALABAMA (7) , R , R Terri A. Sewell, D Election: Defeated Rep. , D Election: Defeated Steve Raby, D, after defeating Pronounced: SUE-ell Residence: Montgomery Rep. in the : Defeated Don Chamberlain, R, to Born: July 26, 1976; Montgomery, Ala. Residence: Huntsville succeed , D, who ran for governor Religion: Presbyterian Born: April 29, 1954; Charleston, S.C. Residence: Birmingham Family: Husband, Riley Roby; two children Religion: Christian Born: Jan. 1, 1965; Huntsville, Ala. Education: U., B.M. 1998 (music, busi- Family: Wife, Martha Brooks; four children Religion: Christian ness and technology); Samford U., J.D. 2001 Education: Duke U., B.A. 1975 ( & Family: Single Career: Lawyer political science); U. of Alabama, J.D. 1978 Education: Princeton U., A.B. 1986 (Woodrow Political highlights: Montgomery City Council, Career: Special assistant state attorney general; Wilson School); Oxford U., M.A. 1988 (politics; 2004-present lawyer; county prosecutor Marshall Scholar); Harvard, J.D. 1992 Political highlights: Ala. House, 1983-91; Madi- Career: Lawyer son Co. district attorney, 1991-93; Madison Co. Political highlights: No previous office Commission, 1996-present; sought Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, 2006

ike others who rooks’ top priority ewell becomes Lsought congressio- Bis a constitutional Sthe first African- nal seats this year, Roby amendment requiring a American woman from is most concerned about balanced budget. “The Alabama to serve in Con- improving the job situ- most significant national gress and the first Ala- ation in her district. But security threat America bama woman of any race she also wants to weed faces are these unsustain- to be elected, rather than out “waste and inefficien- able budget deficits,” he appointed, to serve a full cy” in . says. congressional term. Roby plans to stay as close as possible to He would balance the budget by passing Her top priority is creating jobs in what the ideological sweet spot of Republican economic policies — such as lower taxes on she claims has been a particularly hard-hit politics in a solidly GOP district that gave businesses and fewer regulations — that he portion of the country. Sen. John McCain 63 percent of the vote contends would generate growth. “It really has to be the No. 1 issue: trying during his presidential bid in 2008. He would also push to cut federal spend- to figure out ways to create jobs and to pro- Roby wants to help rein in federal do- ing by reducing appropriations for what vide opportunities for people to get skilled mestic spending and “get money back he calls “wealth transfer” programs, po- to get better jobs,” she says. to the private sector.” But she also wants tentially including Aid to Families with To accomplish that goal, Sewell wants to to maintain robust military spending to Dependent Children and subsidized pub- secure funding for infrastructure projects — support “the tip of the spear,” and will lic housing. But he promises not to trim including roads, bridges, sewers and broad- work to bolster agriculture in her district, spending on Social Security and programs band Internet hardware. Such initiatives home to many family farms. To that end, to aid the elderly, the handicapped, and create jobs directly and also make the dis- she hopes for an assignment to the Ag- abandoned or orphaned children. While trict more attractive to businesses, she says. riculture Committee, in addition to the he has not explicitly exempted the Defense Training and development, she says, will Armed Services Committee. Department from his brand of cutbacks, also make workers in her district more Roby plans to be a champion for two he has made clear that overall Pentagon attractive to companies such as Mercedes large military installations in her district: spending should not come down. Benz, which operates a plant in Vance. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, head- His priorities also include repealing the Sewell also advocates tax breaks for small quarters of the Air University and the 2010 health care overhaul law and “getting businesses and plans to help promote tour- 42nd Air Base Wing, and Fort Rucker, the illegal aliens out of America.” ism at civil rights landmarks in places such Army’s primary air training base, which As a freshman, Brooks will have only a as Selma. includes two aviation brigades. She hopes limited ability to bring about change. He Health care, education and agriculture to protect the bases through what likely wants a seat on the Appropriations Com- round out her list of top interests. will be a difficult financial period for the mittee but knows that will take “magic.” Like most freshmen, she would like a Defense Department, as well as for the rest He would also like to serve on committees seat on the Appropriations Committee of government spending. where he can help his district: Armed Ser- but realizes that such an assignment is “My goal is to maintain and expand vices (to support Army and unlikely. Sewell also has her eye on the their missions,” Roby said of the bases. Agency programs), Science and Technology Ways and Means seat held by her prede- “We need to prioritize defense spending (biotech companies and NASA’s Marshall cessor, Democrat Artur Davis, who un- and get money back into the private sec- Space Flight Center), or Transportation successfully ran for governor, and the tor so they can create jobs and stimulate and Infrastructure (highways and Tennes- Transportation and Infrastructure or Fi- the economy.” see Valley Authority facilities in his state). nancial Services committees.

2586 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh1 layout.indd 2586 11/5/2010 6:24:29 PM ELECTION 2010

ARIZONA (1) (3) ARIZONA (5) , R , R , R Pronounced: go-SAR Election: Defeated , D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Harry E. Mitchell, D Election: Defeated Rep. , D , R, who retired Residence: Fountain Hills Residence: Flagstaff Residence: Phoenix Born: March 3, 1962; Los Angeles, Calif. Born: Nov. 27, 1958; Rock Springs, Wyo. Born: Nov. 5, 1976; Fort Wayne, Ind. Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Christian Family: Wife, Joyce Schweikert Family: Wife, Maude Gosar; three children Family: Wife, Tiffany Quayle Education: Scottsdale Community College, A.A. Education: Creighton U., B.S. 1981 (biology), Education: Duke U., B.A. 1998 (history); Vander- 1985; Arizona State U., B.S. 1987, M.B.A. 2005 D.D.S. 1985 bilt U., J.D. 2002 Career: Realtor; financial consultant Career: Dentist Career: Business investment company owner; Political highlights: Sought Republican nomina- Political highlights: No previous office lawyer tion for Ariz. House, 1988; Ariz. House, 1991-95; Political highlights: No previous office sought Republican nomination for U.S. House, 1994; Ariz. State Board of Equalization chairman, 1995-2003; Maricopa Co. treasurer, 2004-06; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 2008

osar’s 25 years as a uayle hadn’t even chweikert plans to Gdentist give him a Qbeen elected to Spack a calculator perspective on the health the House yet when the when he heads to Wash- care system and small speculation began about ington and use it to hack businesses that makes whether the 33-year-old away at the federal bud- him determined to end son of former Vice Presi- get. “People around here the Democrats’ “job-kill- dent might seem to make decisions ing agenda” and bureau- follow his father’s foot- by folklore instead of cratic ways, he says. Democrats have “built steps to the Senate and beyond. facts. What I’d love to do is budgeting based levels upon levels of bureaucracy” that are Quayle’s father was elected to the House on what the numbers really are,” he says. choking off job creation and that must be from at age 29 and moved to the Schweikert is vague on what programs stripped away, he says. A case in point: envi- Senate four years later before George H. he would cut, saying his experience as ronmental regulation. Businesses not only W. Bush tapped him to be his vice presi- treasurer of Arizona’s Maricopa County must deal with the EPA, but also with state dential nominee at age 41. But Quayle says taught him that he should study the fig- and local regulators, he explains. his ambition will not extend beyond the ures before making any decisions. He believes the health care law will cut off boundaries of his district. He is no fan of how Democrats have run access to doctors and dentists by imposing “I’ll solely be focused on the job at the government for the last two years. He new paperwork burdens, lowering reim- hand,” he says. opposes the health care overhaul for being bursement and allowing mid-level practi- The family name — and the Quayles’ “devastating fiscally,” financial regulation tioners such as dental aides to stand in for party fundraising connections — helped for missing an opportunity to increase dentists and doctors on certain procedures. him win a 10-way primary to replace Re- transparency in the sector and the stimu- The way to lower health costs is through publican John Shadegg in this heavily lus packages for being ineffective. market forces, not government, he explains. GOP district. Quayle made headlines with Schweikert proposes a flat-tax structure Gosar has had the backing of Sarah Palin some caustic campaign rhetoric, labeling as a way to revive the economy. “I believe the and the tea party, but he emphasizes his “the worst president in fastest way to create economic growth is independence by calling himself a “Paul history” and running an ad promising to to get the government out of the so-called Gosar Republican.” “knock the hell out of” Washington. job-creation business. It doesn’t do it and it He would like to cut federal spending His general-election contest proved clos- doesn’t do it well,” he says. The government and the federal workforce to help make er than expected, in part because his op- spent billions of dollars but only created the government “lean and mean.” But he ponent questioned his character, assailing hundreds of jobs in his district, he says. says government investment has a role to Quayle’s prior postings on a racy website. He believes a as part of the play in strengthening business and eco- His agenda is more or less typical for president’s cap-and-trade proposal on nomic activity by building roads, bridges winning GOP candidates this year. He could be “devastating to and other infrastructure and by spending says his top three priorities will be border economic growth” and ’s com- on agriculture. “I also know that you have security, creating new jobs and curbing petitiveness abroad. to invest in things,” he says. “You just can’t “out-of-control government spending.” Immigration also concerns the Arizona always cut, cut, cut.” Gosar also supports Quayle says that prior to Election Day lawmaker, who defended his state’s re- assistance for American Indians. he was too superstitious to venture a guess cently enacted enforcement law. “We’re His background and policy concerns about the sorts of committees he might carrying as a state something that was make the Energy and Commerce Commit- like to serve on, a task he says will now be supposed to be controlled and regulated tee a natural assignment, Gosar says. “the first order of business.” by the federal government,” he says.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2587

43housefrosh1 layout.indd 2587 11/5/2010 6:24:32 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

ARKANSAS (1) ARKANSAS (2) ARKANSAS (3) Rick Crawford, R Tim Griffin, R , R Election: Defeated Chad Causey, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Joyce Elliott, D, to succeed Election: Defeated David Whitaker, D, to succeed Marion Berry, D, who retired Vic Snyder, D, who retired John Boozman, R, who ran for Senate Residence: Jonesboro Residence: Little Rock Residence: Rogers Born: Jan. 22, 1966; Homestead Air Force Base, Born: Aug. 21, 1968; Charlotte, N.C. Born: Feb. 18, 1957; Russellville, Ark. Fla. Religion: Baptist Religion: Baptist Religion: Southern Baptist Family: Wife, Elizabeth Griffin; two children Family: Wife, Terri Williams; three children Family: Wife, Stacy Crawford; two children Education: Hendrix College, B.A. 1990 (econom- Education: Arkansas Tech, B.A. 1979 (speech) Education: Arkansas State U., B.S. 1996 (agricul- ics and business); Oxford U., attended 1991 Military: Ark. National Guard 1979-2009 ture business economics) (history); Tulane U., J.D. 1994 Career: Securities broker; college ROTC program Military: Army 1985-89 Military: Army Reserve 1996-present director; radio station manager Career: Agricultural news service owner; radio Career: Lawyer; aide; federal Political highlights: Rogers City Council, 1983- and television broadcaster; rodeo announcer; prosecutor; party official; congressional aide; 84, 1997-98; mayor of Rogers, 1999-present automotive decal and sign shop employee associate investigative counsel Political highlights: No previous office Political highlights: Asst. U.S. attorney, 2006-07

rawford is a new- riffin vows to omack pledges to Ccomer to elective pol- Gboost job creation Wbe a team player for itics who rode the wave of through what he consid- the Republican Party and voter anger to capture an ers pro-growth tax poli- says he will fight legisla- open seat that had been cies, such as cutting mar- tion he considers a costly in Democratic control for ginal tax rates on workers burden on businesses. more than a century. and employers as well as He opposes legisla- The 1st District’s econ- extending the Bush tax tion that would make it omy is heavily focused on agriculture, and cuts. He also opposes the estate tax. easier for labor unions to recruit members Crawford has been personally invested in the But he also opposes tax “rebates,” which and any efforts to revive cap-and-trade lim- field. He has spent most of his working life he says are “indistinguishable from govern- its on carbon emissions. in agriculture-related news services, includ- ment spending.” Womack also sees the health care law as ing stints as an agriculture reporter for TV Beyond tax policy, Griffin has signaled a costly mandate on business but says it and radio stations. He also owns AgWatch, that he favors a minimalist approach to would be difficult to repeal. He says Con- a farm news radio and TV network that is stimulating the economy. He told an Ar- gress can blunt the law’s effect by withhold- broadcasted in multiple Southern states. kansas television station in September that ing funding for key portions of it. But he is no stranger to politics. In 2006, “the private sector, not the government, is He would like a spot on a committee in- former Republican Rep. Asa Hutchinson of going to be the job creator that gets us out volving infrastructure. And after 30 years as Arkansas enlisted Crawford as an adviser to of this mess.” an officer in the Arkansas Army National his gubernatorial campaign with a focus on He calls the national debt “the greatest Guard and a stint as the executive officer agriculture issues. threat facing the .” He sup- for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Given his expertise and his district’s eco- ports holding discretionary spending at pre- the University of Arkansas, he is interested nomic focus, Crawford would like to win a economic stimulus levels, and also freezing in military issues as well. seat on the Agriculture Committee. John the salaries of federal employees for one year. Womack is used to being in charge and A. Boehner of , who is expected to Griffin, a JAG lawyer and major in the Army getting things done quickly as mayor of become Speaker, has promised to support Reserve, has called for trimming the federal Rogers, one of Arkansas’s largest mid-sized his efforts to reach that goal. workforce to “pre-Obama” levels, with ex- cities, but he says he is getting ready for a far “Agriculture is the No. 1 industry hands- emptions for the departments of Defense, different experience in Washington. down in this district. The constituents here Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. “I’ve tried to mentally prepare myself for are going to expect that that be a front-and- Griffin says he’ll back “common-sense being one of 435 people,” Womack says. center issue,” Crawford says. reform” of entitlement programs and He says that during his tenure as may- Crawford, an Army veteran whose fa- pledged to support a repeal of the health or, the city has benefited from more than ther was in the Air Force, says he would care overhaul. But he backs one key pro- $1 billion in improved infrastructure and also welcome a spot on the Foreign Affairs vision in the law: access to insurance for development that attracted retailers, a con- or Armed Services committees. with pre-existing conditions. vention hotel and other businesses. Being A self-described deficit hawk, Crawford Griffin, who served in the War for a neighbor of Bentonville, the world head- says he will focus on reducing spending a few months in 2006, says the U.S. has an quarters for retail giant Wal-Mart, didn’t and deficits. Like other Republicans who obligation to leave Iraq and hurt either, he says. campaigned on the issue, he also wants able to govern themselves. He says “all op- Womack promises “to do everything I to repeal and replace the 2010 health care tions” should be considered to prevent Iran can do” in Congress to improve the na- overhaul. from obtaining nuclear weapons. tion’s economy and reduce the deficit.

2588 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh1 layout.indd 2588 11/5/2010 6:24:35 PM ELECTION 2010

CALIFORNIA (19) (33) COLORADO (3) Jeff Denham, R , D Scott Tipton, R Election: Defeated Loraine Goodwin, D, to suc- Election: Defeated James Andion, R, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. John Salazar, D ceed George Radanovich, R, who retired Diane Watson, D, who retired Residence: Cortez Residence: Atwater Residence: Los Angeles Born: Nov. 9, 1956; Española, N.M. Born: July 29, 1967; Hawthorne, Calif. Born: Oct. 3, 1953; Los Angeles, Calif. Religion: Anglican Religion: Presbyterian Religion: Baptist Family: Wife, Jean Tipton; two children Family: Wife, Sonia Denham; two children Family: Divorced; one child (deceased) and four Education: Fort Lewis College, B.A. 1978 (politi- Education: Victor Valley Junior College, A.A. 1989 stepchildren cal science) (liberal arts); California Polytechnic State U., San Education: San Diego State U., attended 1971-73 Career: Pottery company owner Luis Obispo, B.A. 1992 (political science) (philosophy); California State U., Dominguez Political highlights: Montezuma County Re- Military: Air Force 1984-88; Air Force Reserve Hills, B.S. 1990 (health sciences) 1988-00 publican Party chairman, 1980-84; Republican Career: Nonprofit community activism organiza- nominee for U.S. House, 2006; Colo. House, Career: Agricultural packaging company owner; tion founder; physician assistant almond farmer 2009-present Political highlights: Republican nominee for Ca- Political highlights: Calif. Assembly, 2004-pres- lif. Assembly, 2000; Calif. Senate, 2002-present ent (Speaker, 2008-10)

enham, a self-de- ass brings to the small-business Dscribed fiscal con- BHouse her experi- A owner who served a servative, says that one ence as a legislator dur- single term in his state’s of his top priorities as ing difficult economic General Assembly, Tip- a freshman member of times and a track record ton wants to cut spend- Congress will be to find as a fast riser in political ing and taxes while re- ways to reduce the na- ranks. ducing the federal deficit. tional debt. Four years after her He also is seeking to “I think it is hurting election to the California Assembly, Bass redo much of the health care overhaul, us on a worldwide scale,” Denham says. was elected Speaker, making her one of calling it “disastrous.” He says people who The debt has led to a “lack of confidence the most powerful politicians in the na- buy their own health insurance should get from consumers and from businesses.” tion’s most populous state. The first black the same tax breaks that companies receive Denham, who owns an almond orchard woman to lead the chamber, Bass drew when providing insurance to employees. in California’s Central Valley, got his start praise from California’s most prominent When it comes to the budget, Tipton has in politics as a state senator. He also owns Republican, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, called for a 10 percent cut in discretionary a plastic container company and plans to who said that she earned her post “the spending — excluding defense programs — set up his congressional office “more as a old-fashioned way — she worked.” and a flat 10 percent corporate tax with no business than a bureaucracy,” with an eye During her tenure as Speaker, while un- deductions and no loopholes. toward his constituents’ needs. employment in California rose from 6.6 The husband of a retired teacher, Tipton “Customer service is not something percent to 12.6 percent, jobs legislation also lists education among his priorities. that’s talked about in politics very much,” occupied a great deal of her time. Bass also He backs tougher graduation standards, Denham says. was a strong proponent of legislation ex- stronger safety programs at schools and Given his agricultural background and panding health care coverage. In the 112th more federal support for charter schools. experience dealing with water supply is- Congress, she intends to work for policies Agriculture is the “backbone” of the dis- sues, Denham would like to land a spot on that increase employment in her district, trict, he says, adding that it is important to the Natural Resources Committee. specifically in the transportation and the protect the water supply from “downstream Denham, who served in the Air Force, entertainment industries. She also expects threats, and from in-state water grabs.” also wants a seat on the Veterans Affairs to continue to address pressing needs in On social issues, Tipton supports strong Committee. He participated in Operation health care, and to support legislation gun rights, opposes amnesty for illegal Desert Storm in Iraq in the early 1990s that can keep children from entering the immigrants and says should be and is particularly interested in addressing foster care system and aid those who do limited to cases of “rape, incest or threat to issues facing the large number of recent go into it. the life of the mother.” Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Bass founded the nonprofit Commu- Tipton worked for Ronald Reagan’s 1976 Denham, whose state senate district is nity Coalition in 1990 in response to the presidential bid and was a delegate to that more populous than his new congressio- crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and year’s Republican National Convention. nal district, is no stranger to the pressures served as the organization’s executive di- After college, he co-founded Mesa Verde of political life. He was targeted unsuc- rector for 14 years. A former physician as- Pottery with his brother, selling handmade cessfully with a recall campaign in 2008. sistant, she has also been a clinical instruc- Navajo and Ute items. But he says that serving in Congress will tor in the Physician Assistant Program at Tipton says he would prefer seats on the be a whole new experience, which he likens the University of Southern California’s Agriculture and Energy and Commerce to “drinking water from a fire hose.” Keck School of Medicine. committees.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2589

43housefrosh1 layout.indd 2589 11/5/2010 6:24:38 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

COLORADO (4) DELAWARE (AL) FLORIDA (2) Cory Gardner, R John Carney, D Steve Southerland, R Election: Defeated Rep. Betsy Markey, D Election: Defeated Glen Urquhart, R, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Allen Boyd, D Residence: Yuma Michael N. Castle, R, who ran for Senate Residence: Panama City Born: Aug. 22, 1974; Yuma, Colo. Residence: Wilmington Born: Oct. 10, 1965; Nashville, Tenn. Religion: Lutheran - Missouri Synod Born: May 20, 1956; Wilmington, Del. Religion: Southern Baptist Family: Wife, Jaime Gardner; one child Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Susan Southerland; four children Education: Colorado State U., B.A. 1997 (politi- Family: Wife, Tracey Quillen; two children Education: Troy State U., B.S. 1987 (business cal science); U. of Colorado, J.D. 2001 Education: Dartmouth College, A.B. 1978 management); Jefferson State Community Col- Career: Lawyer; congressional aide; agricultural (English); U. of Delaware, M.P.A. 1987 lege, A.A. 1989 (mortuary science) advocacy organization spokesman; farm equip- Career: Energy company executive; gubernato- Career: Funeral home owner ment parts dealer rial and congressional aide; county government Political highlights: Fla. Board of Funeral Direc- Political highlights: Colo. House, 2005-present official; youth programs coordinator; coach tors and Embalmers, 1992-95 Political highlights: Del. secretary of finance, 1997-2000; lieutenant governor, 2001-09; sought Democratic nomination for governor, 2008

ardner, a fifth- arney overcame the ne of Southerland’s Ggeneration Colora- Celectoral challenges Otop priorities will dan, hopes for seats on facing Democrats this be shrinking the federal the Agriculture and Natu- year to wrest his state’s government by cutting ral Resources committees, lone House seat from the taxes and spending, as which are important to GOP. But he insists he well as rolling back fed- his Mountain West state will not arrive in Wash- eral regulations. and largely rural district. ington as a partisan. “Government has ex- But he won’t stick exclusively to farming, In Congress, Carney says, he will work panded way beyond their means,” South- land and water issues. with his colleagues from both parties, es- erland says. “Every dollar Congress has is His first bills in Congress, he says, will pecially on his primary focus: energy issues. a dollar it’s taken away from the family focus on reducing federal spending and en- And he intends to criticize ideas from his budget and taken away from small busi- couraging a balanced-budget amendment to own party when he is in disagreement. ness.” the Constitution. “I’ll be that kind of leader in Congress Southerland singled out the 2010 As a state legislator, Gardner already rep- — one who works with both Republicans health care overhaul as an “egregious” ex- resented half the land area in his district but and Democrats to move our country for- ample of the growth of government. He only 20 percent of the people. He bridged ward, starting with a focus on creating says that a repeal of the law “realistically that gap with voters in the northwestern jobs and getting our economy back on can’t be done” in the 112th Congress, part of the district during his campaign, track,” he says. but he signals that he would support and he now plans to make himself a regular And he was not afraid to go against the efforts to limit funding for some of its presence throughout northern and eastern party during his congressional campaign: provisions. Colorado. Carney was one of the first Democratic “If you believe that government is grow- “This is a district where the people expect candidates to attack the Obama adminis- ing beyond a sustainable level, then you’ve you to be in their living rooms and on Main tration’s plan to drill for oil off the shores got to go back to that piece of legislation,” Street, and that’s what I plan to do,” he says. of the East Coast. he says. His experience in and in Washing- “I strongly support the goal of energy Southerland, who is the CEO of his ton, where he was a Senate aide, gives him independence, however I am opposed to family’s funeral home business, says that some familiarity with the legislative process. oil exploration and drilling off the coast of small businesses like his are “battling He wants to draw on that background to Delaware,” he said at the time. “I have seri- senseless regulation,” which he likens to reduce the federal government’s regulatory ous concerns about the impact of offshore kudzu. burden on water storage projects, which are oil drilling on our beaches and fragile A self-described conservative from a vital to both farming and residential devel- coastal areas.” conservative family, Southerland intends opment. Carney, who declined to say which to make constituent outreach a high pri- He does not like to compare himself committee assignments he is seeking, ority. “We’ve got to have representatives to the last Republican to hold the seat, has been a fixture in Delaware politics that interact on a more consistent basis the outspoken social conservative Marilyn for 20 years. But recently he has been and listen to the people,” he says. Musgrave. spending time in the private sector: After Southerland, who has four children, is “I obviously will be my own person,” says his 2008 gubernatorial primary loss, he also interested in issues related to child- Gardner, whose recent homefront hobbies became president and chief operating hood health and education. “Early child- included turning an antique dresser into officer of Transformative Technologies hood health is a critical component to a sink. LLC, a renewable-energy company. expecting that child to learn,” he says.

2590 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh1 layout.indd 2590 11/5/2010 6:24:40 PM ELECTION 2010

FLORIDA (5) FLORIDA (8) FLORIDA (12) Richard Nugent, R Daniel Webster, R Dennis Ross, R Election: Defeated Jim Piccillo, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Alan Grayson, D Election: Defeated Lori Edwards, D, to succeed Ginny Brown-Waite, R, who retired Residence: Orlando Adam H. Putnam, R, who retired Residence: Spring Hill Born: April 27, 1949; Charleston, W.Va. Residence: Lakeland Born: May 26, 1951; Evergreen Park, Ill. Religion: Baptist Born: Oct. 18, 1959; Lakeland, Fla. Religion: United Methodist Family: Wife, Sandy Webster; six children Religion: Presbyterian Family: Wife, Wendy Nugent; three children Education: Institute of Technology, B.E.E. Family: Wife, Cindy Ross; two children Education: Saint Leo College, B.A. 1991 (crimi- 1971 Education: U. of Florida, attended 1977-78; nology); Troy State U., MacDill Air Force Base, Career: Air conditioning and heating company Auburn U., B.S.B.A. 1981 (organization manage- M.P.A. 1995 owner ment); Samford U., J.D. 1987 Military: Ill. Air National Guard 1969-75 Political highlights: Fla. House, 1980-98 Career: Lawyer; state legislative aide Career: Deputy county sheriff (minority leader pro tempore, 1992-94; minority Political highlights: Polk County Republican Political highlights: Hernando County sheriff, leader, 1994-96; Speaker, 1996-98); Fla. Senate, Party chairman, 1992-95; Republican nominee 2001-present 1998-2008 (majority leader, 2006-08) for Fla. Senate, 1996; Fla. House, 2000-2008

ugent has a simple ebster’s top pri- oss acknowledges Npriority in Con- Worities as a House Rthat it won’t be easy gress: “Repeal Obama- member include repealing to replicate the rapid rise care. It has absolutely the health care overhaul of his predecessor, Adam nothing to do with and halting the flow of H. Putnam, a one-time health care,” he says. “All federal stimulus funds. member of the House it’s going to do is cre- He sees both steps as GOP leadership who left ate jobs for government necessary to reducing the seat open to run for workers, in the IRS or someplace else.” the federal deficit, and they are typical of his state agricultural commissioner, a race he won. The longtime elected sheriff, who has strong opposition to the economic policies “Those are some big shoes to fill even spent his professional life in suburban law put forth by President Obama. though he’s 14 years younger than I am,” enforcement, doesn’t stop there, however. Like other Republicans, he also wants to Ross says. “It’s going to be quite a challenge.” Nugent also intends to follow in the foot- reduce taxes and regulations. Ross says his primary legislative mission steps of the GOP congresswoman who re- “Webster is a fiscal conservative who — job creation — will be informed by his tired and endorsed his candidacy, Ginny believes that lowering the tax burden on two decades running a small law firm that Brown-Waite. That means focusing on is- families and businesses will spur economic he started after borrowing money from a sues of importance to his expansive district growth and prosperity,” a campaign staff neighbor. north of Tampa, home to vast numbers of member said. “That means extending the Bush tax cuts retirees, many of them ex-military. Webster was the first GOP speaker of the and incentivizing economic development, “There are so many things that are bro- Florida House in more than a century and whether it be ensuring corporate taxes aren’t ken today,” he says. “Everything from Social majority leader in the state Senate. higher than European corporate taxes or Security to . We need to be part of The devout Baptist and social conserva- eliminating the capital gains tax,” Ross says. [fixing] that.” tive operates his family’s air conditioning “I want to do whatever we can do to allow His top committee choices are Ways and business, an experience that allows him to the infusion of private capital back into the Means (to deal with Social Security and connect with other small-business owners. economy so that people start creating jobs Medicare), Oversight and Government Re- “In these difficult times, they make the hard again.” form (“I could be a help with my investiga- choices to cut out unnecessary expenses, pay Like his predecessor, Ross would like a tive background when you start looking off credit cards, and save for the future. The seat on the Financial Services Committee at holding the Obama administration ac- government must start doing the same,” he and also has an interest in agriculture policy, countable,” he says) and Veterans’ Affairs. wrote in an editorial. given his district is home to Florida’s top That last one reflects personal as well as Webster favors reducing non-defense dis- citrus-producing county. Ross also retains an professional concerns. cretionary spending to fiscal 2008 levels and interest in transportation issues, something As a new lawmaker with a large veteran paring entitlement spending. he focused on during his four terms as a state population in his district, Nugent would He wants the federal government to tight- legislator. like to make the Department of Veterans en border controls and increase immigration And like Putnam, Ross intends to “take Affairs less complicated for his constituents enforcement as matters of national security an aggressive role in leadership” within the to deal with. And on a personal level, he has and fiscal responsibility. GOP caucus. three sons currently serving in the military: Webster’s background in the legislature “My goal is to hopefully be a part of lead- “With the number of vets that we have in has spurred his interest in seats on the ership,” Ross says. “That’s going to allow me this district, and my three kids in it, that’s Transportation and Infrastructure, Judi- to make the necessary changes the country obviously close to my heart.” ciary and Rules committees. needs.”

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2591

43housefrosh2 layout.indd 2591 11/5/2010 6:47:04 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

FLORIDA (17) FLORIDA (22) FLORIDA (24) , D Allen West, R Sandy Adams, R Election: Defeated Roderick Vereen, I, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Ron Klein, D Election: Defeated Rep. Suzanne M. Kosmas, D Kendrick B. Meek, D, who ran for Senate Residence: Plantation Residence: Orlando Residence: Miami Born: Feb. 7, 1961; Atlanta, Ga. Born: Dec. 14, 1956; Wyandotte, Mich. Born: Nov. 5, 1942; Miami, Fla. Religion: Christian Religion: Episcopalian Religion: Episcopalian Family: Wife, Angela West; two children Family: Husband, John H. Adams; three children Family: Widowed; three children Education: U. of Tennessee, B.A. 1983 (political Education: Columbia College, Orlando, B.A. Education: Fisk U., B.A. 1963 (childhood science); Kansas State U., M.A. 1996 (political 2000 (criminal justice administration) education); U. of Miami, M.Ed. 1972 (elementary science) Military: Air Force 1974-75 education) Military: Army 1983-2004 Career: Deputy county sheriff Career: At-risk youth mentorship program found- Career: Army officer; military training Political highlights: Fla. House, 2002-present er; elementary school principal; homemaker consultant; high school teacher Political highlights: Miami-Dade County School Political highlights: Republican nominee for U.S. Board, 1992-98; Fla. House, 1998-2002; Fla. House, 2008 Senate, 2002-present

t will be hard to miss favorite of tea party dams is a high IWilson, who’s well- A activists, West says Aschool dropout, an known in Florida for her House Republicans’ Air Force veteran, a for- flamboyant hats, when “Pledge to America” mer law enforcement she arrives on Capitol agenda must make a officer and a state law- Hill next year. bigger commitment to maker. The former single An educator before reducing government mother says her life ex- she launched a politi- spending. It should be a periences will help guide cal career, Wilson hopes to play a role in “very specific and concrete document that her first term in Congress. revamping the No Child Left Behind Act, can be executable” during the 112th Con- Like most other GOP freshmen, Ad- which she says has hurt some students with gress, he says. ams says she will focus on reducing federal its focus on testing and college prepared- GOP leaders should embrace freshmen spending. She learned to balance her per- ness. For many of her constituents, she ar- “and not push us off to the side,” because sonal budget under difficult circumstances gues, college isn’t the right goal: “I’m just voters want “vibrant new energy,” he says. and says the federal government should do astounded that everyone in America feels “They want individuals who are committed the same. that each and every child should go to col- to the constitutional principles and values But Adams promises to be an aggressive lege. That’s unrealistic.” that made America great and what it is.” advocate for NASA, which is a significant Wilson, who spent 12 years as an el- West wants “to reform our tax code be- contributor to the central Florida econ- ementary school principal before her cause the progressive tax system lends itself omy. “They spent a lot of money over the election to Miami-Dade County’s School to class warfare.” But he does not expect a last few years,” she says of the Democratic- Board in 1992, wants the next version of prized seat on the Ways and Means Com- controlled Congress. “Some of that money the law to provide incentives for school mittee. could have been devoted to the space indus- districts to offer more vocational training, He says that the United States must stay try. We need to reprioritize.” with the aim of teaching students how to on the offensive against Islamic radicalism An Orange County deputy sheriff for 17 become small-business owners and entre- and that Israel “needs stronger representa- years, Adams ran for the Florida House in preneurs. tion in Congress.” 2002 to advocate for victims’ rights. The As a state representative and senator, West argues that the Armed Services cause was personal; her first husband, also Wilson worked to make Florida’s criminal Committee could use his military experi- a deputy, died in the line of duty in 1989. justice system safer for inmates and wants ence. After his discharge, he trained Afghan Having grown up in a military family, to continue those efforts in Washington. soldiers as a private contractor. she quit high school at 17 and joined the “Nobody wants to look at how incarcera- While on active duty in Iraq, he made Air Force. She hopes to utilize her military tion rates in this country suck up money headlines in 2003 for firing a pistol near background as a member of the Veterans’ that could be used for education,” she says. the head of an Iraqi policeman believed Affairs Committee. She also would welcome During 17 years in Florida politics, Wil- to have information about an attack. The a seat on the Science and Technology or son gained a reputation for working across man admitted to a plot and named accom- Financial Services committees. the aisle. She teamed with Republican plices, but he later recanted all of it. No con- Adams, who defeated freshman Demo- Gov. Jeb Bush, for example, on criminal crete evidence was found, but the incident crat Suzanne M. Kosmas, pledges to help justice issues and on removing the Con- made West a hero to conservatives. West eliminate funding for the health care over- federate flag from the state Capitol. “I’m was found guilty of aggravated assault and haul, seek a flatter tax code, push Congress no stranger to working with Republicans,” fined $5,000, but the Army decided against to adopt zero-based budgeting and crack she says. a court-martial. down on .

2592 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh2 layout.indd 2592 11/5/2010 6:47:06 PM ELECTION 2010

FLORIDA (25) GEORGIA (7) GEORGIA (8) David Rivera, R , R Austin Scott, R Election: Defeated Joe Garcia, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Doug Heckman, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Jim Marshall, D Mario Diaz-Balart, R John Linder, R, who retired Residence: Ashburn Residence: Miami Residence: Lawrenceville Born: Dec. 10, 1969; Augusta, Ga. Born: Sept. 16, 1965; Brooklyn, N.Y. Born: Feb. 11, 1970; Athens, Ga. Religion: Baptist Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Methodist Family: Wife, Vivien Scott; one child Family: Single Family: Single Education: U. of Georgia, B.B.A. 1993 (risk Education: Florida International U., B.A. 1986 Education: Furman U., B.A. 1992 (political management and insurance) (political science), M.P.A. 1994 science); U. of Georgia, J.D. 1997 Career: Insurance agency owner Career: State party Hispanic outreach director; U.S. Career: Congressional aide Political highlights: Ga. House, 1997-present broadcasting agency aide; human rights organiza- Political highlights: No previous office tion aide; congressional and campaign aide Political highlights: Fla. House, 2002-present; Miami-Dade County Republican Party chairman, 2008-present

ivera, a former oodall already cott, who owns an RHouse Appropria- Wknows the hall- Sinsurance broker- tions panel chairman ways and back rooms age firm, has hewn to in Florida, says that he of the Capitol. After 16 the traditional Republi- plans to focus on the years as a legislative staff can principles of limited economy. His constitu- member on , he government, tax cuts and ents can expect him to won’t waste time finding support for small busi- champion traditional Re- his way around when he ness throughout his 13- publican policies such as cutting spending reports for his first day on the job. year state legislative career. and easing taxes on small businesses. “What we’ll bring to the table is the abil- He wants to zero in on bringing down Rivera says his first goal will be support- ity to start work on day one,” says Woodall, the federal deficit — and to start the pro- ing measures — such as tax cuts — that are who will represent an increasingly diverse cess he would prevent unspent stimulus intended to give private employers incen- suburban district. money from being used and cut the num- tives to hire more workers. He also says that One of his top priorities will be a pro- ber of federal government employees. He he wants to see a constitutional amendment posal for a national sales tax, which he also supports a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. calls the “FairTax Plan.” He is continuing requiring a balanced budget. To boost the As a representative from a Hispanic- to push a “near and dear” cause backed economy he would extend all of the Bush- majority district, Rivera says he also will by his former boss and predecessor, retir- era tax cuts that are set to expire. In cam- focus on policy toward Latin America, par- ing Republican John Linder. Simplifying paign materials, he said he would “de-fund,” ticularly concerning trade and relations the tax code, he says, would help create repeal and replace the Democrats’ health with Cuba. jobs and encourage investment in the U.S. care overhaul. Congress should move forward on the economy. Scott served as chairman of the Govern- stalled free-trade deal with Colombia, he But don’t expect Woodall, who is hoping mental Affairs Committee in the General says, estimating that it could create hun- for a spot on the powerful Rules Committee, Assembly, focusing on budget transparency. dreds of thousands of jobs in his district always to agree with his own party. Newly But he has secured a commitment from and elsewhere. elected Republicans, he believes, must not GOP leaders that he will be given a seat on “The import-export market is very im- repeat the mistakes of Republicans who won the Armed Services Committee. From that portant in South Florida,” he says. in 1994 but subsequently lost their way. perch, he hopes to support veterans and Like his predecessor, Republican Mario Republicans, he says, should put their workers affiliated with Warner Robins Air Diaz-Balart (who won election to the neigh- small-government principles ahead of par- Force Base, a major employer and commu- boring 21st District), Rivera takes a hard tisan politics. nity institution in the 8th District. line with the Cuban government. Rivera “If it’s wrong when does it, John A. Boehner of Ohio, who is expect- was the author of a 2006 Florida law that then it’s also going to be wrong when John ed to be Speaker, pledged that Scott would bans state funding for education research Boehner does it,” he says. get the committee seat during a campaign and travel to nations that are deemed to be Woodall, who is an anti-abortion con- swing through the district to give him a “sponsors of ,” a designation that servative and a supporter of gun rights, boost against Democratic incumbent and includes Cuba. considers himself an outdoorsman and eight-year panel veteran Jim Marshall. Scott “I do not believe we should give any uni- hiker. He is unmarried and views his sin- said during a debate that he would bring a lateral concessions until all political prison- gle status as an asset for his constituents: different generational mind-set to the job ers are freed, civil are restored, and “That gives me twice as much time to work than his Baby Boomer predecessor, who is free elections are held,” he says. for the people.” two decades his senior.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2593

43housefrosh2 layout.indd 2593 11/5/2010 6:47:12 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

HAWAII (1) IDAHO (1) (10) Colleen Hanabusa, D Rául R. Labrador, R Robert Dold, R Election: Defeated Rep. Charles K. Djou, R Election: Defeated Rep. Walt Minnick, D Election: Defeated Dan Seals, D, to succeed Residence: Honolulu Residence: Eagle Mark Steven Kirk, R, who ran for Senate Born: May 4, 1951; Honolulu, Hawaii Born: Dec. 8, 1967; Carolina, P.R. Residence: Kenilworth Religion: Buddhist Religion: Mormon Born: June 23, 1969; Evanston, Ill. Family: Husband, John Souza Family: Wife, Rebecca Johnson Labrador; five Religion: Christian Education: U. of Hawaii, B.A. 1973 (economics & children Family: Wife, Danielle Dold; three children sociology), M.A. 1975 (sociology), J.D. 1977 Education: Brigham Young U., B.A. 1992 Education: Denison U., B.A. 1991 (political Career: Lawyer (Spanish); U. of Washington, J.D. 1995 science); Indiana U., J.D. 1996; Northwestern U., Political highlights: Hawaii Senate, 1999-present Career: Lawyer M.B.A. 2000 (majority leader, 2003-07; president, 2007-pres- Political highlights: Idaho House, 2006-present Career: Pest control company owner; Internet ent); candidate for U.S. House (special election), data storage company manager; congressional 2003; sought Democratic nomination for U.S. aide; White House aide House, 2006; candidate for U.S. House (special Political highlights: No previous office election), 2010

anabusa won Ha- ith more than 15 self-described fis- Hwaii’s 1st District Wyears of experience A cal conservative seat on her second at- as an immigration law- and social moderate, tempt, after a three-way yer, Labrador is likely to Dold says a respon - special election in May make a splash in the im- sible politician doesn’t split the Democratic vote, migration debate. simply stay true to his handing victory to Re- He has already met party and his constit- publican Charles J. Djou. with Steve King, cur- uents but also under- Hanabusa, a lawyer, comes to Washington rently the ranking Republican on the House stands the importance of “staying true after 12 years in the Hawaii Senate, where Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, to yourself.” she had been Senate president since January and says that he expects to be placed on that It is an easy-to-follow mantra for Dold, 2007. The first woman in Hawaii’s history panel. whose family has lived in the 10th District to hold the position, she brings solid liberal Labrador says that he will push to secure for three generations. credentials with her. the U.S. border with Mexico. He advocates Dold says his priority is to “get people She intends to push legislation that would sending the U.S. military to the border “to back to work and jump-start the economy.” expand self-governmental rights of Native battle the drug terrorists just like they are As the owner of a small pest control busi- Hawaiians through a “governing entity” that battling Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan ness, he says he understands the pressures represents them in negotiations with fed- and Iraq.” small-business owners face every day and eral and state governments. The bill passed Labrador opposes amnesty for undocu- will use his expertise to create jobs in his the House in February, but has not made it mented immigrants, but he does support district. through the Senate. development of a program that would offer “I meet a payroll. I hire people. I under- A Buddhist, Hanabusa joins two other those here illegally an incentive to come for- stand what regulations do to small busi- members who share her faith, which she de- ward — such as guaranteeing them first con- nesses. I live it each and every day,” he says. scribes as “more of a philosophy than a re- sideration by the State Department to return “I get up each and every day worrying about ligion” for her. She opposed the invasion of legally after going back to their countries. other people. That’s something I hope to Iraq but supports the mission in Afghanistan, “Those we have to go find and arrest .. . leverage as a legislator.” a stance she attributes to her friendship with well, they go to the very end of the line,” he As the economy struggles to emerge from Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry. says. the deep recession, Dold wants to lower Jobs and the economy will be her priori- He also urges that the guest worker pro- the corporate tax rate for businesses. He ties, and she said she is eager to make Ha- gram be streamlined — particularly for agri- also supports an indefinite extension of the waii a leader in green energy, considering cultural workers, who play an important role 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for all Americans. the state’s abundant renewable resources. in his state’s economy. Dold opposes the 2010 health care over- “We have wind, we have sun, like no one else But his primary focus in Washington, he haul and espouses sweeping tort reform to does,” says Hanabusa, who cites the Natural says, will be on jobs and the economy. reduce malpractice litigation and the costs Resources Committee as one of three panels As a member of the Idaho House, Lab- of defensive medicine. He also wants to pro- where she could best serve Hawaii (along with rador proposed legislation that would have vide greater transparency in medical pricing the Energy and Commerce Committee and provided broad-based tax cuts for businesses, and outcomes. Ways and Means). individuals and families, and he opposed Dold is interested in serving on the Of course, Hanabusa would like to serve raising the gas tax. Budget, Energy and Commerce, and on the Appropriations Committee but recog- On Capitol Hill, he says, he will do the Transportation and Infrastructure nizes she must “pay my dues” first. same. committees.

2594 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh2 layout.indd 2594 11/5/2010 6:47:14 PM ELECTION 2010

ILLINOIS (11) ILLINOIS (14) ILLINOIS (17) , R Randy Hultgren, R Bobby Schilling, R Election: Defeated Rep. Debbie Halvorson, D Election: Defeated Rep. , D Election: Defeated Rep. , D Residence: Manteno Residence: Winfield Residence: Colona Born: Feb. 27, 1978; Kankakee, Ill. Born: March 1, 1966; Park Ridge, Ill. Born: Jan. 23, 1964; Rock Island, Ill. Religion: Protestant Religion: Protestant Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Single Family: Wife, Christy Hultgren; four children Family: Wife, Christie Schilling; ten children Education: Illinois State U., B.A. 2000 (political Education: Bethel College, B.A. 1988 Education: , attended 1982- science) (communications & political science); Illinois 83 Military: Wis. Air National Guard 2003-present; Institute of Technology, J.D. 1993 Career: Restaurateur; financial services agent; Ill. Air National Guard 2001-03 Career: Securities company executive; financial factory worker Career: Information technology services planning consultant; lawyer; congressional aide Political highlights: No previous office company account representative Political highlights: DuPage County Board, Political highlights: McLean County Board, 1994-98; DuPage County Forest Preserve District 1998-2003 Board of Commissioners, 1994-98; Ill. House, 1999-2007; Ill. Senate, 2007-present

hat compelled mainline conserva- chilling is leaving WKinzinger to seek A tive who has served Spizza for politics. and win a seat on the in the Illinois legislature The owner of Saint Gi- county board when he for more than a decade, useppe’s Heavenly Pizza was 20 years old contin- Hultgren plans to focus arrives in the House with ues to drive him now: on the economy and a vow to oppose all tax He wants to give voters a drawing jobs to his dis- increases and to slash dis- sense that they are being trict, which lies west of cretionary federal spend- heard — and heeded. . The best way to do that, he says, is ing in his quest to improve job prospects in “They just want to be heard,” the 32-year- by shrinking the size of the federal govern- his native western Illinois. old says of his district’s constituents. “They ment and ensuring that laws already in place Schilling says his experience as a small- are literally clamoring for an opportunity are implemented correctly and explained to business operator leads him to believe the to be heard.” his constituents. corporate tax rate is too high and should be Like many office-seekers this year, he “Our manufacturers are nervous with how reduced to increase job competitiveness. says he will give priority to restoring the many of the big new pieces of legislation He also supports extending the 2001 economy and doing something about his that have been passed will be implemented,” and 2003 tax cuts at every income level. region’s 12 percent unemployment rate. Hultgren says. “I want to bring some stability “We’ve got to use things that have a proven “You don’t do it with more programs back, bring some confidence back.” track record,” says Schilling, citing tax cuts and spending,” he says. “You do that with a Of particular concern is the health care made during President John F. Kennedy’s promise to start fiscal restraint.” overhaul law passed earlier this year. “I don’t administration. He judges the stimulus Along with extending the 2001 and 2003 think the bill that was passed will decrease law as a “complete failure” because it was tax cuts, Kinzinger’s five-pronged approach costs at all,” Hultgren says. accompanied by deficit spending, and he for turning around the economy would While in the state legislature, he cospon- will oppose any initiative that would build limit the federal government’s role in the sored a successful medical malpractice re- on it. private sector, provide additional business form bill. Hultgren would like to continue “We need to take a look at an across- tax incentives, provide new spending only working to lower health care costs and sees the-board — say a 10 percent — cut” in for national security and infrastructure, and the potential for doing so by creating more discretionary spending, he adds. He wants explore new energy resources. price transparency and nationwide competi- Congress to take a closer look at waste and Kinzinger, who conducted five tours in tion among insurers. fraud in programs such as Medicare. It is Iraq and Afghanistan as an Air Force pilot, Hultgren says a spot on the Energy and unrealistic to think the GOP could repeal says his experiences would be valuable Commerce Committee would be a good fit the health care law, he says, so he wants to on the Armed Services Committee. But given both his interests and his experiences. pass legislation removing some provisions, he also would like to take a lead in iden- In addition, he believes that his career as an including the medical device tax, while re- tifying new energy sources and working investment adviser would help him serve taining new protections for health insur- toward energy independence, he says. His effectively on the Financial Services Com- ance consumers. district has three nuclear power plants, mittee. Schilling signed a pledge to refuse con- and Illinois leads the country in nuclear Hultgren notes that all his legislative suc- gressional pay raises and to accept a term power production. He would relish a seat cesses have come while serving in the minor- limit of eight years in the House. on the Energy and Commerce Commit- ity, and he says that experience will help him He would like to be named to the Agricul- tee, an ambitious reach for a freshman build relationships with members on both ture, Small Business or Veterans’ Affairs com- member. sides of the aisle. mittees to represent interests in his district.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2595

43housefrosh2 layout.indd 2595 11/5/2010 6:47:17 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

INDIANA (3) INDIANA (4) INDIANA (8) , R , R , R Election: Defeated Tom Hayhurst, D, to fill a Pronounced: ro-KEE-ta Pronounced: boo-SHON vacancy Election: Defeated David Sanders, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Trent Van Haaften, D, to suc- Residence: Howe Steve Buyer, R, who retired ceed , D, who ran for Senate Born: Aug. 31, 1976; Sturgis, Mich. Residence: Indianapolis Residence: Newburgh Religion: Baptist Born: Feb. 9, 1970; Chicago, Ill. Born: May 31, 1962; Taylorville, Ill. Family: Wife, Christy Stutzman; two children Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Lutheran Education: Tri-State U., attended 2005-07; Glen Family: Wife, Kathy Rokita; two children Family: Wife, Kathryn Bucshon; four children Oaks Community College, attended 1999 Education: Wabash College, B.A. 1992 (political Education: U. of Illinois, B.S. 1984 (chemistry); U. Career: Farmer; commercial trucking company science); Indiana U., Indianapolis, J.D. 1995 of Illinois, Chicago, M.D. 1988 owner Career: State government official; lawyer Military: Naval Reserve 1989-98 Political highlights: Ind. House, 2003-09; Ind. Political highlights: Ind. secretary of state, Career: Surgeon Senate, 2009-present 2003-present Political highlights: No previous office

tutzman brings po- okita, a veteran of he only criticisms Slitical experience and Rthe state govern- TBucshon faced from a bit of tea-party zeitgeist ment, emphasizes the conservative voters dur- to Washington after need to improve gov- ing the campaign were eight years as a state legis- ernment services while complaints that he was lator and two congressio- scaling back the growth too neatly in line with nal campaigns covering of federal spending. Washington Republi- three races in 2010. His own fiscal to-do list cans. His political phi- A farmer and owner of a farm-trucking includes making the 2001 and 2003 tax losophy reflects the meat and potatoes of company, Stutzman has an interest in cuts permanent, reducing the number of the GOP platform. small business and agriculture issues. He tax brackets, curbing debt-limit increases “I’m a person that always believes in opposes pro-union “card check” legislation and establishing presidential line-item veto , low taxation by gov- and argues in favor of eliminating taxes on authority. ernment on business, and I’m a strong be- capital gains to spur job creation. He says government should act “in liever in the private sector and free-market Stutzman supports gun owners’ rights; precise, laser-like fashion to incentiv- economy,” he says. “I’m a fiscal conserva- in the state House, he won enactment of ize business growth and not dictate tive, a social conservative.” a 2006 law creating handgun permits that economic outcomes.” Rokita backs tar- A cardiothoracic surgeon, Bucshon last for a gun owner’s lifetime. geted business tax breaks and measures wants to push for repeal of this year’s He backs a balanced budget amend- that could help farmers, such as free- health care overhaul, even though he ment and full repeal of the health care trade deals and a repeal of the estate tax. thinks it is unlikely to happen while Presi- overhaul while opposing abortion rights. Rokita also argues that government dent Obama is in office. His more imme- He also backs expanded development should “protect our citizens and ensure diate goal is to prevent any tax increases of domestic coal, oil and natural gas interstate commerce, while creating a amid the current economic difficulties, resources to promote U.S. energy in- level and fair playing field for all partici- and he says that cutting government dependence, and supports exploring pants.” He takes a conservative stance spending will help create jobs. renewable-energy sources. on social issues, opposing abortion and He also gives priority to national is- However, Stutzman calls cap-and-trade gun control. sues that have ramifications for the 8th legislation to limit carbon emissions “a Rokita, who was a regulator of the District. As an example, he says he would direct attack on Indiana’s economy.” securities industry as Indiana’s secretary fight Democrats’ cap-and-trade legisla- Unlike most freshmen, Stutzman will of state, has an eye on the Financial Ser- tion, contending it would damage the coal take office almost immediately. vices Committee. He also could be a good industry — a major employer in Indiana Despite having built a statewide base in fit for the Oversight and Government and specifically in the district. his bid to succeed retiring Sen. Evan Bayh Reform Committee. Bucshon says he would like a seat on the in May 2010, Stutzman did not survive the During his tenure, he created an online Armed Services Committee to protect the primary. So when Republican Rep. Mark service center for businesses registered Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Souder resigned in May after confessing with his office. He also helped win a man- Ind., but he also is interested in serving to an extramarital affair, Stutzman joined date for the use of voter photo identifi- on the Energy and Commerce Committee the special election contest to succeed cation cards such as driver’s licenses at and its health panel. A spot on the Trans- him. He simultaneously won both the polling places. He served as president of portation and Infrastructure panel, mean- special election and the race for a full term the National Association of Secretaries of while, would allow him to address highway in the 112th Congress. State from 2007 to 2008. and railroad issues in his state, he says.

2596 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh3 layout.indd 2596 11/5/2010 6:45:19 PM ELECTION 2010

INDIANA (9) KANSAS (1) KANSAS (3) , R , R Kevin Yoder, R Election: Defeated Rep. Baron P. Hill, D Pronounced: HYOOLS-camp Election: Defeated Stephene Moore, D, to suc- Residence: Bloomington Election: Defeated Alan Jilka, D, to succeed Jerry ceed Dennis Moore, D, who retired Born: Aug. 24, 1972; Lancaster, Pa. Moran, R, who ran for Senate Residence: Overland Park Religion: Christian Residence: Fowler Born: Jan. 8, 1976; Hutchinson, Kan. Family: Wife, Jennifer Young; four children Born: Nov. 11, 1968; Fowler, Kan. Religion: Christian Education: U.S. Naval Academy, B.S. 1995 Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Brooke Robinson Yoder (political science); U. of London, M.A. 2001 Family: Wife, Angela Huelskamp; four children Education: U. of Kansas, B.A. 1999 (political (United States studies); U. of Chicago, M.B.A. Education: College of Santa Fe, B.A. 1991 science & English), J.D. 2002 2002; Indiana U., Indianapolis, J.D. 2006 (education); American U., Ph.D. 1995 (political Career: Lawyer Military: Navy 1990-91; Marine Corps 1995-00 science) Political highlights: Kan. House, 2003-present Career: Lawyer; congressional aide Career: Farmer Political highlights: No previous office Political highlights: Kan. Senate, 1997-present

oung describes him- uelskamp says he oder is expected to Yself as a libertarian Hwill be a “reliable Yjoin the ranks of the conservative in the model conservative vote” in conservative Republican of Ronald Reagan and Congress, and he has a Study Committee, where says he has one goal as a record in the Kansas Sen- he will focus on fiscal legislator: to “get our bal- ate to prove it. responsibility, building ance sheet back in order During his 14-year the economy and cut- as a country.” tenure there, he spon- ting spending to reduce Young says that until Congress shrinks sored an amendment to strip Planned Par- government debt. During his eight years the federal budget, it will remain his only enthood of its state funding and pushed in the Kansas House of Representatives, he concern. “Everything seemingly comes for amendments to the state constitution developed a reputation as a champion of back to this massive issue,” he says. “If we to ban gay marriage and guarantee indi- small businesses and earned a “pro-business” get this one knocked out while I’m there, vidual gun rights. rating from the Kansas Chamber of Com- maybe there’ll be something else that I’ll On Capitol Hill, Huelskamp says, he merce in 2009. turn most of my attention to.” plans to work with the far-right contin- Having served as chairman of the state His plan involves passing balanced- gent of the Republican Party to battle House Appropriations Committee, Yoder budget legislation and eliminating waste the health care overhaul enacted in 2010 is most interested in a seat on the Appro- across government, including areas where and to block legislation that would cre- priations Committee as well as the Ways many Republicans are reluctant to make ate a cap-and-trade system for green- and Means Committee, where he would cuts. “I’m not one of these legislators who, house gas emissions. push for permanent elimination of the without pause, thinks we ought to ramp He has experiences that could make estate tax. up our spending in the military,” he says. him a leading voice on other issues: A Yoder was first elected to the state leg- Young also says he would support career farmer, Huelskamp says the EPA islature in 2002 and served all eight years proposals to repeal and replace the 2010 has “a real anti-farmer agenda,” citing its of his tenure on that chamber’s Judiciary health care overhaul. He wants Congress efforts to ban chemicals that farmers use Committee. His background as a business, to boost investment in critical infrastruc- to grow crops. banking and real estate lawyer — as well as ture and remove regulations he says are He has a familiarity with immigration: an interest in driving the brewing debate harmful to businesses. And he opposes Two of his four adopted children are from over a comprehensive overhaul of immigra- any cap-and-trade program for control- Haiti. Although he says the international tion laws — has fueled an interest in a seat ling emissions. adoption process could be streamlined, on the House Judiciary Committee as well. Young says he has no illusions about the he advocates a hard-line approach to il- A fifth generation Kansan who grew limited power of a freshman, but he does legal immigration. He pushes for more- up on a grain and livestock farm near the not think he will be overwhelmed by the secure borders and giving employers the community that carries his family name, transition to federal lawmaking. right to do status checks on employees. Yoder supports private-sector innovation His previous Capitol Hill experience “I’ve been through Immigration and and free-market competition. His first year includes a stint as an energy and economic Customs Enforcement [and] the paper- agenda will include a push for legislation policy aide for Sen. Richard G. Lugar, an work,” Huelskamp says. “And it was a to create private-sector jobs and a repeal of Indiana Republican. He lists former Brit- difficult situation, going through all that portions of the Democratic-driven health ish Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as paper. But when I look at that situation, I care law enacted in 2010 that he says will “one of the statesmen that I respect most see that citizenship should be a privilege, drive up patient costs and grow govern- in history.” not a right. It should be difficult.” ment bureaucracy.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2597

43housefrosh3 layout.indd 2597 11/5/2010 6:45:22 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

KANSAS (4) (2) LOUISIANA (3) Mike Pompeo, R , D , R Pronounced: pom-PAY-oh Election: Defeated Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao, R Election: Defeated Ravi Sangisetty, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Raj Goyle, D, to succeed Residence: , D, who ran for Senate Todd Tiahrt, R, who ran for Senate Born: Sept. 13, 1973; New Orleans, La. Residence: New Iberia Residence: Wichita Religion: Baptist Born: Dec. 23, 1970; St. Martinville, La. Born: Dec. 30, 1963; Orange, Calif. Family: Single Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Presbyterian Education: Morehouse College, B.A. 1995 Family: Wife, Sharon Landry; one child Family: Wife, Susan Pompeo; one child (business administration); Tulane U., J.D. 1998 Education: U. of Southwestern Louisiana, B.S. Education: U.S. Military Academy, B.S. 1986 Career: Lawyer 1999; Southern U. Law School, attended 2001- (engineering management); Harvard U., J.D. 1994 Political highlights: La. House, 2000-present; 03; Loyola U. New Orleans, J.D. 2004 Military: Army 1986-91 sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, Military: La. National Guard 1987-98 Career: Oilfield equipment and aerospace 2008 Career: Lawyer; oil and gas contamination manufacturing companies president; lawyer cleanup company owner Political highlights: Republican National Political highlights: Republican nominee for La. Committee, 2008-present Senate, 2007

ompeo is expected ichmond’s propos- andry heads to Wash- Pto fit comfortably Rals read like they Lington intent on get- with his fellow incom- come straight from the ting the economy back ing GOP conservatives. Democratic playbook — on track. He says his ex- He was one of the of 2008. perience owning a busi- first candidates in The incoming law- ness has prepared him for the country to be en- maker says he wants to the task. dorsed by the Club for broaden eligibility for Endorsed by leaders Growth, a political group that supports the earned-income tax credit, provide a fed- of the , Landry is likely fiscal conservatives. The endorsement, eral match of up to $1,000 for new retire- to be a reliably conservative voice in Con- together with a Pompeo commercial ment plans, lower interest rates on student gress. He opposes abortion rights, gun- that accused one of his primary op - loans, increase Pell grants and crack down control measures and tax hikes. He says a ponents of being a RINO (Republican on subprime and predatory lending. good Republican is “one who follows the In Name Only), helped him grab the The former state representative, whose fundamentals of the party: less govern- nomination in the heavily Republican largely Democratic, African-American con- ment, fiscally conservative, a strict adher- district. He succeeds Republican Todd stituency includes most of New Orleans, ence to constitutional principles.” Tiahrt, who made an unsuccessful bid says his support for such big-ticket items He supports a balanced-budget amend- for the party’s Senate nomination. as the health care overhaul and economic ment to the Constitution and a two-thirds Pompeo intends to try to reduce the stimulus laws can be summed up in a single majority requirement for Congress to raise size of government, which he says is de- word: recovery. taxes. Landry says he would like to serve stroying jobs and creating uncertainty “As far as the national deficit and spend- on the Transportation and Infrastruc- for private sector job creators. ing . . . those things are on the minds of the ture and Natural Resources committees, He also believes the government should voters in the 2nd Congressional District, where he could work on projects that have work to eliminate or outsource social pro- but not as much as recovery,” Richmond been “needed for years” in southern Loui- grams. Instead, he says, the nation should says. “We will not get full recovery without siana. rely more on the good works of individuals more federal help.” And even though the BP oil spill caused to take care of the poor and marginalized. He hopes for committee spots that damage in his district, Landry says he will He plans to focus on de-funding and match up with his economic agenda. “I be an ally to the petroleum industry. He repealing the 2010 health care overhaul, know they’re ambitious,” he says, “but opposes cap-and-trade energy proposals, securing the nation’s borders, strength- I prefer Appropriations and Ways and which he says would devastate economies ening national security and promoting Means, and we’ll go from there.” that depend on oil and gas. growth in the private sector. Improving health care also is vital to his The 3rd District, where Landry was born Pompeo graduated first in his class district’s recovery, says Richmond, who and raised, serves as a hub for the oil indus- from the U.S. Military Academy at West supports expanding primary care clinics. try in the Gulf of Mexico. While President Point before serving as a tank com - Another main goal is to move up the date Obama has lifted an oil-drilling morato- mander in the 1980s. After leaving the for sharing federal oil revenue with Gulf rium there, Landry has criticized the slow Army, he earned a law degree from Har- Coast states, now scheduled for 2017. The pace of new drilling permits. “We must vard and moved to Kansas to co-found move, he says, could provide money for his deal with a de facto moratorium placed on an aerospace company. He sold his share proposals and help erase Louisiana’s bud- the shelf that is killing independent drillers of it in 2006 and is now president of an get deficit, which could result in hospital that are the backbone of the oil and gas in- oil services equipment company. and school closings. dustry in Louisiana,” he said in a statement.

2598 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh3 layout.indd 2598 11/5/2010 6:45:25 PM ELECTION 2010

MARYLAND (1) MASSACHUSETTS (10) (1) , R William Keating, D , R Election: Defeated Rep. Frank Kratovil Jr., D Election: Defeated Jeff Perry, R, to succeed Bill Election: Defeated Gary McDowell, D, to succeed Residence: Cockeysville Delahunt, D, who retired , D, who retired Born: Jan. 25, 1957; Brooklyn, N.Y. Residence: Quincy Residence: Crystal Falls Religion: Roman Catholic Born: Sept. 6, 1952; Norwood, Mass. Born: April 20, 1952; Iron River, Mich. Family: Wife, Sylvia “Cookie” Harris; five children Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Roman Catholic Education: Johns Hopkins U., M.H.S. 1995 Family: Wife, Tevis Keating; two children Family: Wife, Judy Benishek; five children (health finance & management); U. of Pennsyl- Education: Boston College, B.A. 1974 (political Education: U. of Michigan, B.S. 1974 (biology); vania, attended 1973-75; Johns Hopkins U., B.A. science), M.B.A. 1982; Suffolk U., J.D. 1985 Wayne State U., M.D. 1978 1977 (human biology), M.D. 1980 Career: Lawyer Career: Surgeon Military: Naval Reserve 1988-2005 Political highlights: Mass. House, 1977-85; Political highlights: No previous office Career: Physician Mass. Senate, 1985-99; Norfolk County district Political highlights: Md. Senate, 1999-present attorney, 1999-present (Republican whip, 2003-06); Republican nominee for U.S. House, 2008

arris is the first fter capturing the enishek, a surgeon Hperson from the Aopen 10th District Bwho had never run Chesapeake Bay’s west- seat in a hard-fought for political office, says ern shore to win the 1st campaign, Keating says he decided to launch his District in two decades he will head to Washing- congressional bid after and the first ever from ton ready to take a bipar- the $787 billion econom- Baltimore County. tisan approach. ic stimulus legislation He opposes abortion, “It’s an electorate passed in February 2009. takes a tough stance on immigration, op- right now that has lost some trust in our “I just couldn’t believe they would spend poses gun control and favors opening up institution, so I think they’re frustrated nearly a trillion dollars without reading the the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and with the inability of government trying to legislation,” he says. “This just put me over the outer continental shelf for oil and deal with issues,” he says, suggesting that the top.” gas production. He wants to make the both parties should work together to boost It’s no surprise then that cutting federal Bush-era tax cuts permanent and elimi- job and economic growth in the country. spending is his top priority in his new job. nate earmarks, which he vows he will never Keating, who takes the seat held for seven But health care, too, will be a defining issue. seek. He favors cutting the size of the terms by retiring Democrat Bill Delahunt, He pledges to read every bill before voting government by, for example, eliminating will represent a district that sprawls from on it, and he will work to repeal the health the Education Department. Quincy just south of Boston all the way to care overhaul enacted in 2010. Although his official residence is on the the tip of Nantucket. Republican Scott P. Benishek says he is interested in seats bay’s western shore, he owns a condo in Brown carried the 10th in his 2010 special on the Budget and Oversight and Govern- Cambridge on the Eastern Shore. An anes- election for the Senate, and Keating’s own ment Reform committees. As the father thesiologist, he has worked at hospitals in tough election battle suggests that in his of a veteran, he also would like to pursue Salisbury and Easton. first term he may take a centrist approach a post on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Eastern Shore residents are particularly on some issues. He proposes a hiring freeze in the federal concerned about the environmental health Having served as the Norfolk County government, and he wants an extension of of the bay. Harris wants to “assess the effec- district attorney since 1999, Keating the Bush-era tax cuts. Benishek describes tiveness and funding of federal programs says he would like a seat on the Judiciary his ideas as a combination of basic conser- and to ensure collaboration between state Committee — where Delahunt has been vative philosophy mixed with the concerns and federal agencies to accomplish these serving. of his northern Michigan constituents. goals.” And he wants to make a priority He supports abortion rights and repeal “I’m sort of a common-sense guy. I’ve got of preserving the legs of the Eastern Shore of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law barring a lot to learn — I admit that,” he says. “I’m economy — poultry, fishing, agriculture military service by openly gay individuals. a quick learner.” and tourism — through private sector job Given the coastal sweep of his district, When Benishek was 5 years old, his fa- creation and cutting taxes. Keating also pays close attention to envi- ther died while working in the mines of He says the first bill he will sponsor ronmental issues. As a state senator, he Iron County, Mich., leaving Benishek’s would limit House members to six terms sponsored a law that virtually banned mother to raise the family. and senators to two terms. phosphates in household cleaners. He “I didn’t really get too much handed to He would like a seat on the Agriculture supported the fiercely contested wind me. I had to work my entire life,” he says. Committee, to fit his district’s rural charac- farm project off Cape Cod, appropriately “I think that’s all Americans want — an ter, as well as on the Energy and Commerce named Cape Wind, as a source of clean, opportunity to work. People of my district or Armed Services panels. renewable energy. feel that way.”

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2599

43housefrosh3 layout.indd 2599 11/5/2010 6:45:30 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

MICHIGAN (2) MICHIGAN (3) MICHIGAN (7) , R , R , R Pronounced: HI-zing-uh Pronounced: ah-MAHSH Election: Defeated Rep. , D Election: Defeated Fred Johnson, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Pat Miles, D, to succeed Residence: Tipton Peter Hoekstra, R, who retired Vernon J. Ehlers, R, who retired Born: April 12, 1951; Chicago, Ill. Residence: Zeeland Residence: Cascade Township Religion: Protestant Born: Jan. 31, 1969; Zeeland, Mich. Born: April 18, 1980; Grand Rapids, Mich. Family: Wife, Sue Walberg; three children Religion: Christian Reformed Religion: Eastern Orthodox Education: Fort Wayne Bible College, B.S. 1975; Family: Wife, Natalie Huizenga; five children Family: Wife, Kara Amash; three children Wheaton College (Ill.), M.A. 1978 Education: Calvin College, B.A. 1992 (political Education: U. of Michigan, B.A. 2002 Career: Religious school fundraiser; education science) (economics), J.D. 2005 president; minister Career: Private school fundraiser; congressional Career: Lawyer; marketing consultant Political highlights: Candidate for Onsted Com- district aide; realtor Political highlights: Mich. House, 2009-present munity Schools Board of Education, 1981; Mich. Political highlights: Mich. House, 2003-09 House, 1983-98; sought Republican nomination for U.S. House, 2004; U.S. House, 2007-09; defeated for re-election to U.S. House, 2008

uizenga says he entral Michigan, alberg will pick up Hplans to be a voice Crepresented by soft- Wwhere he left off of fiscal restraint — a spoken Republican Ver- two years ago, advocating member of Congress non J. Ehlers for eight full for conservative causes who “rages against the terms, is in for big stylis- in the House. He served spending machine.” tic changes in Amash. one term before losing to The first piece of leg- The member-elect was Democrat Mark Schauer islation he plans to offer already well on his way in 2008 — and then de- would amend the Constitution to require a to becoming a national celebrity before Elec- feated him to reclaim the seat. balanced budget. tion Day, earning a spot on Time magazine’s Walberg is a proponent of repealing the He cites the growing debt and govern- “40 Under 40” list of rising political stars in Democratic-backed health care overhaul, ment regulation as major roadblocks to October. extending all Bush-era tax cuts and enact- economic prosperity. To address those ar- The ambitious lawmaker says his pri- ing spending cuts. eas of concern, Huizenga says, he wants mary initiatives on Capitol Hill will be to “The trillion-dollar stimulus, govern- a seat on a committee with an economic increase transparency in the legislative ment takeover of health care, and Speaker purview, preferably Energy and Commerce, process and to interact with constituents Pelosi’s budget with trillion-dollar deficits Financial Services or Budget. using online tools such as Facebook and are placing America on an unsustainable On matters ranging from health care to . financial course,” he says. He also favors energy, Huizenga claims the private sector “One of the things that I do as a state line-item veto power for the president and has to be the vehicle for reform and that legislator is to explain every single vote a constitutional amendment requiring a he will be a stalwart advocate for solutions that I take in real time on the Internet, balanced budget. pointing in that direction. and I’d like to carry the practice forth to Walberg supports increased exploration Huizenga takes over Michigan’s most Congress,” Amash says. “We might have of U.S. oil and natural gas reserves, along conservative House district from his for- some sort of website where you can show with development of wind and solar energy mer boss, Republican Peter Hoekstra, who how your members of Congress are vot- as well as other alternative sources. unsuccessfully ran for governor. Huizenga ing and have some kind of congressional In the 110th Congress, he had seats on worked for Hoekstra as his director of social network.” the Agriculture and Education and Labor public policy before becoming a state rep- Amash says he will seek spots on the En- panels — assignments that reflected some resentative in 2003, and he says his social ergy and Commerce, Financial Services or of his constituents’ needs. Farming is a big and fiscal beliefs are closely aligned with Judiciary committees. He also says he will part of the district’s economy, while Michi- those of his old boss. vote to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. gan’s jobless rate remains high. Huizenga, who co-owns a small gravel “I’ll have a very strong focus on eco- Walberg positions himself as a “tradi- business, will be a reliable Republican vote. nomic issues, limiting government, de- tional values” lawmaker, saying he opposes But he is careful to note that Republicans creasing the size and scope of govern- abortion, gay marriage and allowing illegal must offer alternatives to Democratic pro- ment and also on some criminal justice immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. He grams like cap and trade for carbon emis- issues,” Amash says. supports making English the nation’s of- sions and the health care overhaul. Just don’t expect him to cut a similar ficial language. “We can’t just be the party of ‘no.’ We profile to Ehlers. He also favors privatizing Social Security, have to offer alternative solutions. We can’t “We come from different generations,” saying that younger workers should have just repeal. We need to work toward creat- Amash says. “My predecessor was in his “the option to save their own money in ing different systems,” he says. 70s, and I’m a 30-year-old.” their own name in their own account.”

2600 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2600 11/5/2010 6:43:00 PM ELECTION 2010

MICHIGAN (13) MINNESOTA (8) MISSISSIPPI (1) , D Chip Cravaack, R Alan Nunnelee, R Election: Defeated John Hauler, R, after defeating Pronounced: kruh-VACK Election: Defeated Rep. Travis W. Childers, D Rep. Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick in the primary Election: Defeated Rep. James L. Oberstar, D Residence: Tupelo Residence: Residence: Lindstrom Born: Oct. 9, 1958; Tupelo, Miss. Born: March 2, 1957; Detroit, Mich. Born: Jan. 29, 1959; Charleston, W.Va. Religion: Baptist Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Tori Nunnelee; three children Family: Wife, Choi Palms-Cohen Family: Wife, Traci Cravaack; two children Education: Mississippi State U., B.S. 1980 Education: Cornell U., B.F.A. 1984 (painting); (marketing) Georgetown U., J.D. 1987 Education: U.S. Naval Academy, B.S. 1981; U. of West Florida, M.Ed. 1989 Career: Insurance company owner Career: County government acquisitions admin- istrator; congressional district aide Military: Navy Reserve 1981-2005 Political highlights: Miss. Senate, 1995-present Political highlights: Mich. House, 1991-93; Career: Airline pilot defeated for re-election to Mich. House, 1992; Political highlights: No previous position Mich. House, 1999-2003; Democratic nominee for Detroit City Council, 2001; candidate for De- troit mayor, 2005; Mich. Senate, 2003-present

larke plans to use Navy veteran and unnelee brings to Cthe regulatory pro- A Northwest Airlines NCongress a wealth cess to get funds for his pilot, Cravaack sees re- of appropriations experi- economically hard-hit ducing the government’s ence, a distaste for gov- district. “I’ll likely work a role in business as the ernment debt and a reli- lot through the adminis- best way to promote eco- ably conservative vote on trative agencies — a lot of nomic growth and create abortion, gun rights and times you can get more jobs. national security. done that way,” he says. “I’m looking more To boost employment in his district, he He predicts that job creation will be the at the objective, the outcome . . . that’s put- wants to ease regulatory restrictions and most important issue facing northern ting more people back to work, helping them thus speed projects intended to aid nickel, Mississippi for decades to come. He says become more financially secure.” copper and platinum mining. Congress should end its “senseless bor- Education also will be a chief concern, Cravaack was once a union steward at rowing” and explore ways to spur private Clarke says. He cites a shortage of nurses Northwest and talked during the cam- sector growth through tax policies like in his district as an example of how fur- paign about his days manning a picket line. the Gulf Opportunity Zones formed after loughed manufacturing workers can be He says Democrats have abandoned union- . “You can literally draw retrained. “In Michigan, we’re having to ized workers like those in the Iron Range to a line on the map” between the zones and hire foreign workers on a temporary basis curry favor with environmentalists. He op- the areas still struggling with historic un- to meet that need,” he says. “I want to see poses so-called card-check legislation that employment in the absence of aid, he says. metro Detroiters doing that.” would allow unions to organize workplaces Nunnelee says his experience with mak- Clarke wants to find funding for year- without a secret ballot. ing the “difficult decisions” involved in round schooling and after-school pro- Cravaack calls the 2009 economic stimu- balancing state budgets as chairman of the grams, as well as for adult-education ini- lus “ludicrous” and says the rapid growth Mississippi Senate Appropriations Com- tiatives. He also advocates for partnering in government spending and debt threat- mittee will come in handy in Washington, schools with government agencies to pro- ens the country. He would extend the 2001 but he says his main expertise is in health vide recreational activities to youth. and 2003 tax cuts for all income levels and policy. Congress should repeal the health He also says he supports a pathway to eliminate the deficit by limiting spending; care overhaul and replace it with “patient- citizenship for workers in the country il- one pot of funding that he calls unnec- centered health care reform,” he says. legally and allowing the 2001 and 2003 tax essary is for bike trails, which have been Nunnelee says the United States should breaks to expire for the wealthy, depending championed by Oberstar. “treat terrorists as enemies and not give on “how that revenue will be applied.” On social issues, Cravaack is just as con- them the rights of the very Constitution He hopes to sidestep the fights over servative. He won the endorsement of Gun they wish to destroy.” He also approves of committee seats that are typical after an Owners of America, a group that argues the Arizona’s immigration enforcement law. election, saying he does not have any as- National Rifle Association is too prone to A disease blinded Nunnelee by the time signments in mind for himself. compromise. he was a college senior. “I learned not to Clarke wants to change Detroit’s politi- His experience as a pilot — and the fact be embarrassed to ask for other people’s cal culture. “Many times [politicians] actu- he defeated the chairman — could point help,” he says. Doctors restored his vision ally believe they’re more important than the Cravaack toward the Transportation and with two cornea transplants. people they serve,” he says. “That creates a Infrastructure Committee. He also ex- He says the knowledge that another per- culture of entitlement that’s really been evi- pressed an interest in Education and Labor, son’s death made it possible for him to see dent in Detroit politics for decades.” Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs. gives him “a very keen sense of responsibility.”

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2601

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2601 11/5/2010 6:43:03 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

MISSISSIPPI (4) MISSOURI (4) MISSOURI (7) , R , R , R Pronounced: puh-LAZZ-oh Election: Defeated Rep. Ike Skelton, D Election: Defeated Scott Eckersley, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Gene Taylor, D Residence: Harrisonville Roy Blunt, R, who ran for Senate Residence: Biloxi Born: Oct. 13, 1960; Archie, Mo. Residence: Springfield Born: Feb. 21, 1970; Gulfport, Miss. Religion: Evangelical Christian Born: August 11, 1955; Springfield, Mo. Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Husband, Lowell Hartzler; one child Religion: Presbyterian Family: Wife, Lisa Palazzo; three children Education: U. of Missouri, B.S. 1983 (home Family: Wife, Barbara Long; two children Education: U. of Southern Mississippi, B.S.B.A. economics & education); Central Missouri State Education: U. of Missouri, attended 1973-74 1994 (accounting), M.B.A. 1996 U., M.S. 1992 (education) Career: Auction company owner; Realtor; radio Military: Marine Corps Reserve 1988-96; Career: Farmer; rancher; farm equipment talk show host Mississippi National Guard 1997-present dealership owner; homemaker; teacher Political highlights: No previous office Career: Accountant; defense contracting Political highlights: Mo. House, 1995-2001 company financial manager; oil rig inventory supervisor Political highlights: Miss. House, 2007-present

alazzo says his top artzler literally wrote ong’s campaign fo- Ppriority will be job Hthe book on waging Lcused on his catch creation and that the way faith-based political cam- phrase of being “fed up” to do that is by reducing paigns — it’s called “Run- with what he called ca- government regulations ning God’s Way” and is reer politicians, but he and spending, blocking based on her election to is likely to a dependable the “unionization of the the Missouri House. vote for GOP leaders on entire United States” and Improving the econo- both economic and social cutting taxes. my, creating jobs and balancing the budget issues. He also wants to bolster national de- will be her priorities. “We’ve got to make sure An auctioneer and Realtor, he has never fense, an important issue in a district that we’ve got a stable economy for our future and served in elective office before. boasts military installations such as Kee- not bankrupt our country with the runaway But Long isn’t worried about not know- sler Air Force Base, the Naval Construc- spending that’s under way,” she says. ing his way around. He told the Joplin tion Training Center Gulfport, the Naval Hartzler would vote to extend the Bush- Globe that there is “enough experience in Oceanographic Office and a significant era tax cuts across the board. She also calls Washington to choke a horse.” military shipbuilding industry. estate taxes “highway robbery” and says He says his first order of business is to “We’re in a global war on terror that will she wants them kept low, if not eliminated. repeal the Democrats’ health care overhaul, last through my children’s lifetime,” the She will seek to repeal the 2010 health which he has called an “unmitigated disas- retired Marine says. “Equipping, training care overhaul, preferring a revamp of the tort ter.” He backs giving small businesses more and preparing for future threats will be system and greater transparency in medical leeway to join together to buy coverage, something I’ll be focused on. We can’t sac- pricing. She backs gun rights and supports a health savings accounts and overhauling rifice that for any reason. That is why prun- constitutional amendment to ban abortion. the medical liability system. Specific to his ing the budget in other areas is extremely Hartzler opposes climate legislation that region, he favors loan forgiveness programs important.” would cap carbon emissions. “There’s no to encourage providers to serve rural areas. Palazzo, who would like a post on the reason to stifle our energy production here He endorses a balanced-budget con- Armed Services Committee, says he will push in America when our competitors aren’t stitutional amendment coupled with an for a significant expansion of the Navy. going to have to abide by the onerous regu- amendment to cap taxes at a specified But with defense representing more lations in that bill,” she says. She supports percentage of personal income. And he than 50 percent of all discretionary expanded use of nuclear energy. promises not to “seek, support, or enact spending, he says budget cutting will Her largely agricultural district includes earmarks.” be “a long and arduous process,” and he Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Long also is a strong proponent of free called for a balanced-budget amendment Force Base, and thus Hartzler is interested trade, saying the opening up of new mar- to the Constitution. in serving on the Agriculture and Armed kets is essential to growing the economy of With his background as a CPA and busi- Services committees. Minority Leader his southwest Missouri district. He wants ness owner, Palazzo would like also to serve John A. Boehner of Ohio has promised to eliminate “obsolete” agricultural sub- on the Ways and Means Committee, a rare her a seat on Armed Services, and she will sidies, but is not specific on which ones assignment for a freshman lawmaker. work to expand the missions of the mili- qualify as obsolete. In addition, the former state legislator tary bases, she says. Hartzler, who owns On social issues, Long is just as conserva- expressed interest in serving on the Agri- an agricultural equipment business with tive. He calls himself “100 percent pro-life” culture and Transportation and Infrastruc- her husband, also expresses interest in the and says marriage should be defined as ture panels. Small Business Committee. between one man and one woman.

2602 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2602 11/5/2010 6:43:06 PM ELECTION 2010

NEVADA (3) NEW HAMPSHIRE (1) NEW HAMPSHIRE (2) Joe Heck, R Frank Guinta, R Charles Bass, R Election: Defeated Rep. , D Pronounced: GIN (sounds like “grin”)-ta Election: Defeated Ann McLane Kuster, D, to suc- Residence: Henderson Election: Defeated Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D ceed Paul W. Hodes, D, who ran for Senate Born: Oct. 30, 1961; Queens, N.Y. Residence: Manchester Residence: Peterborough Religion: Roman Catholic Born: Sept. 26, 1970; Edison, N.J. Born: Jan. 8, 1952; Boston, Mass. Family: Wife, Lisa Heck; three children Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Episcopalian Education: Pennsylvania State U., B.S. 1984 Family: Wife, Morgan Guinta; two children Family: Wife, Lisa L. Bass; two children (health education); College of Education: Assumption College, B.A. 1993; Education: Dartmouth College, A.B. 1974 Osteopathic Medicine, D.O. 1988 Franklin Pierce Law Center, M.I.P. 2000 Career: Congressional aide; architectural prod- Military: Army Reserve 1991-present Career: Campaign and congressional district ucts executive; energy consultant Career: Physician; medical response training aide; insurance and risk management consul- Political highlights: Sought GOP nom. for U.S. consultant; Defense Department medical school tant; insurance claims manager House, 1980; N.H. House, 1982-88; N.H. Senate, administrator Political highlights: N.H. House, 2000-2002; 1988-92; defeated in primary for re-election to N.H. Political highlights: Nev. Senate, 2004-08; Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Senate, 1992; U.S. House, 1995-2007; defeated for defeated for re-election to Nev. Senate, 2008 2002-06; mayor of Manchester, 2006-10 re-election to U.S. House, 2006

epresenting a dis- uinta says he is “a ass is no stranger to Rtrict hurt more than Gsmall-government Bthe 12th District — most by the economic kind of guy” who wants he held the seat for 12 downturn and real estate to focus on tax policy, years, winning election crisis, Heck will look to with an eye toward eco- as part of the 1994 “Re- help mold a fiscal policy nomic growth and job publican revolution,” but aimed squarely at job cre- creation. was ousted in 2006. ation. He takes credit for He says he wanted “The No. 1 issue we’re facing is the fact several fiscal moves made in Manchester to reclaim his old seat to counteract the that no matter what’s of Wash- while he was mayor, including a tax cut, “arrogance” Democrats have shown since ington there’s been absolutely nothing to budget cuts and a tax cap. Federal lawmak- gaining control of Congress in 2006. The stimulate our economy and create an envi- ers, he says, should approach the nation’s Congressional Budget Office’s prediction ronment where we can have sustainable job budget with “common sense, responsibil- of $1 trillion annual federal deficits over growth,” Heck says. “It seems like the folks ity and accountability.” Small businesses, the next decade was “the straw that broke in Washington don’t have a clue.” meanwhile, should receive more tax incen- the camel’s back for me,” he says. There is no doubt that Heck’s constitu- tives, he says. Bass wants to return to the Energy and ents have had a rough time lately. Com- Guinta acknowledges that freshmen Commerce Committee, where he has six prising much of the Las Vegas suburbs, his have limited influence, but he says that he years of experience and played a role in writ- district has seen home prices fall steeply learned a few things as a New Hampshire- ing the 2005 energy bill. Since leaving Con- while unemployment has steadily risen. based aide to Republican Jeb Bradley, who gress, he has worked as a consultant with As a member of Congress, Heck will held the same seat from 2003 to 2007. companies that develop alternative-energy embrace a “fair” tax structure that, he “Certainly having two years of experience technologies, and he wants to form a bio- says, would allow citizens to keep a larger understanding the needs of constituents mass energy caucus in Congress to promote percentage of their income. His proposed and how the process works in Washington such technology, which uses plant material policies include lowering the long-term gives me a leg up,” Guinta says. and animal waste to generate power. capital gains tax rate and eliminating the He opposes the 2010 health care law and Bass also wants his colleagues to estab- estate tax. says it should be replaced with measures that lish a new standing committee dedicated The nation’s health care system is also allow small businesses to pool employees to spending reduction. It would recom- a central concern for Heck, a practicing together in larger groups and allow people to mend cuts to the full House, he says, giving physician. cross state lines to purchase insurance. members the opportunity to vote on them “I think that we need to rely more on Guinta supports gun rights and opposes as resolutions. people who have real-world experience to abortion, saying that society can do more Though Bass is more socially liberal than craft changes to our health care system, to help women in “crisis pregnancies” to many Republicans — he opposes a consti- as opposed to a 2,700-page behemoth,” find alternatives to abortion. tutional amendment to define marriage he says. Guinta says a seat on the Ways and as a union between a man and a woman Heck’s ideas for improving the health Means or Budget committees would be — he says he generally supports the GOP’s care system include implementing an ideal, although he acknowledges they “Pledge to America.” The campaign plat- -based (rather than employer- are long shots. His other choices include form’s fiscal recommendations are most provided) insurance option, passing tort Transportation and Infrastructure, Vet- important, he says: “We’ve got to cut reform and improving the health of the erans’ Affairs, Energy and Commerce, or spending — that’s going to be the hardest nation through more nutritious diet plans. Financial Services. part of all.”

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2603

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2603 11/5/2010 6:43:11 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

NEW JERSEY (3) NEW MEXICO (2) NEW YORK (13) Jon Runyan, R Steve Pearce, R Michael Grimm, R Election: Defeated Rep. John Adler, D Election: Defeated Rep. Harry Teague, D Election: Defeated Rep. Michael E. McMahon, D Residence: Mt. Laurel Residence: Hobbs Residence: Staten Island Born: Nov. 27, 1973; Flint, Mich. Born: Aug. 24, 1947; Lamesa, Texas Born: Feb. 7, 1970; Brooklyn, N.Y. Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Baptist Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Loretta Runyan; three children Family: Wife, Cynthia Pearce; one child Family: Divorced Education: U. of Michigan, attended 1992-95 Education: New Mexico State U., B.B.A. 1970 Education: Baruch College, B.B.A. 1994; New (movement science) (economics); Eastern New Mexico U., M.B.A. York Law School, J.D. 2002 Career: Professional football player; professional 1991 Military: Marine Corps 1989-90; Marine Corps arena football team owner Military: Air Force 1970-76 Reserve 1990-97 Political highlights: No previous office Career: Oil well services company owner; pilot Career: Health food store owner; FBI agent; Political highlights: N.M. House, 1997-00; sought stockbroker Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, 2000; Political highlights: No previous office U.S. House, 2003-09; Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, 2008

unyan, a hulking earce won his old job rimm cites his days Rformer professional Pback, and now he Gin the Marine Corps football player, likely will wants to pick up where when he talks about the stand out more for his he left off on the House importance of teamwork 6-foot-7-inch frame than Financial Services Com- in policymaking, espe- for his political views. mittee. cially with Congress so He expects to align Pearce served on the polarized. closely with the positions committee in the 110th “It’s stifled our abil- of the most recent Republican to hold his Congress and was the deputy ranking mem- ity to lead,” he says. “In the military, there seat: H. James Saxton, who retired in 2009. ber of its Housing and Community Op- are arguments, there are fights. The Navy Runyan wants seats on the same commit- portunity Subcommittee prior to his un- fights with the Marines. But when it’s time tees occupied by Saxton: Armed Services welcome two-year hiatus from Capitol Hill. to get back to work, we all have each other’s and Natural Resources. He says those assign- A slot on the panel would give him a plat- hands and move forward.” ments would allow him to look out for one form for several of his priority issues, which “Congress needs to take a page out of the of his district’s biggest employers — the mega include reducing taxes on investments and military’s book,” he continued. “At the end military complex composed of McGuire Air capital gains. Pearce says such cuts would of the day, we’re all Americans.” Force Base, Fort Dix and the Lakehurst naval give the economy a boost. As a Republican, Grimm describes his station — and to protect the pinelands and Another way to foster growth is to bring politics as “just right of center” — he wants beaches of southern New Jersey. stability to the dollar, he says. to repeal the 2010 health care overhaul law Even though he would have voted against Pearce, who left the Hill following an and opposes cap-and-trade energy policy the health care overhaul, Runyan says a full unsuccessful run for Senate, also would feel and gay marriage. repeal is unrealistic. Instead, lawmakers familiar on the Natural Resources Com- But he says that he could side with should “chip away at it” by eliminating its mittee, another panel he served on during Democrats if they introduce legislation he most costly provisions, he says. his first stint in the House. He was the thinks would benefit his constituents. Runyan will also focus on finding ways ranking member on the Energy and Min- “If they put forth a bill that’s good for my to reduce federal spending and to jump- eral Resources Subcommittee and he has district and this country, I’m supporting it start the economy. “We really need a bal- extensive experience with mineral resources . . . regardless of who gets the credit.” anced budget amendment,” he adds. from owning Lea Fishing Tools, an oilfield His days as an undercover FBI agent on Though he’s an economic conservative, services firm. Wall Street, cracking down on white collar Runyan supports abortion rights, except He also is likely to reprise his role as a crime, position him to back moves against for late-term and partial-birth . point person on the immigration debate. corruption in big businesses. While believing marriage should be be- While representing a district that shares As founder of a health-food restaurant tween a man and a woman, he backs civil a border with Mexico, Pearce served as a co- and owner of a biofuels company, he sup- unions for gay people. “Social issues are the chairman of the Border Security Caucus. ports policy initiatives that could help only issues that really pull me back to be a He supports upping the man hours spent struggling and aspiring entrepreneurs moderate,” Runyan says. on patrolling the border, so that officials alike. He advocates dispensing with the Runyan, who spent most of his 13-year can more quickly respond to reports of capital gains taxes for the next two years; NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, illegal crossings. temporarily reducing the payroll tax by says his charity work put him in touch with Pearce and his wife, who have been mar- 30 percent to 40 percent, and redirecting community leaders who urged him to run ried for nearly 30 years, reside in the same unspent stimulus money to help small for Congress. town where he was raised. businesses.

2604 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2604 11/5/2010 6:43:14 PM ELECTION 2010

NEW YORK (19) NEW YORK (20) NEW YORK (24) Nan Hayworth, R Chris Gibson, R Richard Hanna, R Election: Defeated Rep. John Hall, D Election: Defeated Rep. Scott Murphy, D Election: Defeated Rep. Michael Arcuri, D Residence: Mount Kisco Residence: Kinderhook Residence: Barneveld Born: Dec. 14, 1959; Chicago, Ill. Born: May 13, 1964; Rockville Centre, N.Y. Born: Jan. 25, 1951; Utica, N.Y. Religion: Lutheran Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Husband, Scott Hayworth; two children Family: Wife, Mary Jo Gibson; three children Family: Wife Kim Hanna; two children Education: Princeton U., A.B. 1981 (biology); Education: Siena College, B.A. 1986 (history); Education: Reed College, B.A. 1976 (economics Cornell U., M.D. 1985 Cornell U., M.A. 1995 (government), Ph.D. 1998 and political science) Career: Ophthalmologist; health care advertising (government) Career: Construction company owner; property firm executive Military: Army 1986-2010 development company manager Political highlights: No previous office Career: Army officer Political highlights: Republican nominee for U.S. Political highlights: No previous office House, 2008

retired ophthal- retired colonel, Gib- native of the 24th A mologist who later A son spent nearly a A district, Hanna became vice president of quarter century in the prevailed in a rematch a health care advertising Army before retiring against Arcuri, who agency, Hayworth wants earlier this year to pur- bested him in 2008 when to spend the 112th Con- sue a political career. But Democrats were riding gress on the “depower- Gibson doesn’t want to high. ing” of the 2010 health be typecast in Congress Rebuilding the econ- care overhaul. as a military man. omy will be a core issue for the business Specifically, she wants to work on leg- He says his first priority is to help re- owner and philanthropist. Hanna says islation that would give consumers more pair the ailing economy, particularly the he is ready to “immerse in big problems” choices by facilitating the sale of insurance hard-hit farm sector of his upstate district. and mentions spending caps as well as across state lines and ensuring that health That means cutting taxes and burdensome permanent small-business tax credits as savings accounts are not discouraged. regulations while expanding , possible policy options in the 112th Con- Hayworth hopes to make changes to Gibson says. gress. Medicare, and she wants to guarantee that To that end, he wants to repeal the new Hanna says that “neither party has it doctors are adequately reimbursed by the health care law, which he fears will bust right” on everything, but Republicans have program. the budget and sap small businesses, and “a much better handle” on economic is- “Right now, Medicare providers are shelve legislation aimed at combating sues. He describes himself as a fiscal con- headed for an enormous cut in reimburse- global warming by capping emissions of servative but a social moderate; he sup- ments,” Hayworth says. “That needs to be greenhouse gases. He also would vote to ex- ports civil unions for same-sex partners worked out, and that needs to be a pay-for.” tend the tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003. and abortion rights. Currently, he says, She wants a seat on the Energy and Com- “There are three specific reasons small- many “social issues are really a diversion merce Committee, in order to have a say on business owners say they are not going to from the desperate need we have to regrow those issues as well as focus on helping to grow next year: taxes, regulation and health our economy.” develop nuclear energy. care costs,” he says. To serve his farm-dependent district, Interested in education and jobs issues Gibson says he wants to serve on the Hanna will probably try for a seat on the as well, Hayworth would like a seat on the Agriculture Committee as well as Ways and Agriculture Committee. He also would Education and Labor Committee if she Means or Energy and Commerce. Armed be interested in serving on the Energy cannot serve on Energy and Commerce. Services is another choice, although it and Commerce Committee. But as a fiscal conservative who wants ranks behind the others on his priority list. His father died when Hanna was 20 years to cut taxes and balance the budget, she That’s not to say Gibson doesn’t have old, leaving Hanna and his sister to provide believes funding for the Education Depart- some thoughts on military issues. He’s for the family. He put himself through ment should not be increased and other the author of a 2008 book, “Securing the college during the next several years and non-military federal spending should be State,” which argues for a more cooperative afterward founded Hanna Construction, cut. relationship between civilian and military which he still owns and manages. “The Department of Education, unfor- leaders. He praises Defense Secretary Rob- Since then, Hanna has played an ac- tunately, however nobly intended, has not ert M. Gates for doing a good job repair- tive role in the community, serving on produced any benefit to our nation’s stu- ing that rift. And Gibson says he supports local boards and charities. He is also a dents,” Hayworth says. “We need to cut President Obama’s approach to the wars in “sustaining member” of the libertarian spending. We need to facilitate growth.” Afghanistan and Iraq. .

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2605

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2605 11/5/2010 6:43:17 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

NEW YORK (29) NORTH CAROLINA (2) NORTH DAKOTA (AL) , R Renee Ellmers, R Rick Berg, R Election: Defeated Matt Zeller, D, to fill a vacancy Election: Defeated Rep. Bob Etheridge, D Election: Defeated Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D Residence: Corning Residence: Dunn Residence: Fargo Born: Nov. 18, 1971; Joliet, Ill. Born: February 9, 1964; Ironwood, Mich. Born: Aug. 16, 1959; Maddock, N.D. Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Lutheran Family: Wife, Jean Reed; two children Family: Husband, Brent Ellmers; one child Family: Wife, Tracy Berg; one child Education: Alfred U., B.A. 1993 (political Education: Oakland U., B.S. (nursing) Education: North Dakota State School of Sci- science); Ohio Northern U., J.D. 1996 Career: Hospital administrator; nurse ence, attended 1977-78; North Dakota State U., Career: Lawyer; real estate company owner Political highlights: Dunn Planning Board, B.A. 1981 (agricultural economics & Political highlights: Mayor of Corning, 2008-09 2006-present (chairwoman, 2008-10) communications) Career: Property development company owner Political highlights: N.D. House, 1985-present (majority leader, 2003-09)

eed brings a conser- ne of a number of erg ran as a political Rvative voice to Wash- Ohealth professionals Boutsider, despite his ington, D.C., for a district joining the 112th Con- role in North Dakota’s that has had no represen- gress, Ellmers was elected political establishment tative in the House since after promising to undo as a member of the state March 2010, when Dem- much of the health care House for more than two ocrat Eric Massa resigned overhaul legislation en- decades, including stints after being accused of acted in the spring of as majority leader and sexually harassing male staff members. 2010. Speaker. His primary focus in Congress, Reed Touting herself as a “God-fearing” fis- After completing his education, he says, is getting the national debt and fed- cal and social conservative, the 46-year- formed a commercial real estate company, eral spending under control. To do this, he old registered nurse — her husband is now called Goldmark Schlossman, serving supports a hard cap on nondefense discre- a doctor — is opposed to government- as managing broker for the company until tionary appropriations to “force a national mandated insurance coverage. 2006. His business background, combined dialogue” on the deficit. But, she says, “simply standing against with conservative positions on energy and He also has vowed to fight to keep in Obamacare is not enough.” She would re- government spending, made him a favorite place, for all income levels, the tax cuts place it with “free-market-based” changes of influential national Republicans to take enacted during the George W. Bush ad- aimed at increasing accessibility, lowering the seat held by Democrat Earl Pomeroy ministration. costs and improving technologies. since 1993. Reed says he would support an effort Ellmers says the key to creating jobs is Like other newly elected Republicans, he to repeal the Democratic health care removing the uncertainty facing small favors minimizing the tax and regulatory overhaul legislation enacted in 2010, al- businesses when it comes to health care burden on businesses and permanently though he acknowledges that success in costs and taxes. She will vote to extend all eliminating the federal estate tax. that endeavor is unlikely. What’s more of the Bush-era tax cuts. Berg wants to help move the country important, he said, is to keep debate go- She is against gay marriage, abortion away from dependence on foreign sources ing on the issue. He backs “tort reform” and a path to citizenship for illegal im- of energy by developing more domestic and the better use of software to reduce migrants, and she is a strong advocate for sources. He also says the government needs medical insurance fraud. gun owners’ rights. to streamline the approval process for Despite the polarized nature of Con- To combat illegal immigration, Ellmers building new nuclear power plants. gress, Reed thinks that his proposals can says she will push to implement harsher Berg has offered some ideas to extend attract some support from the other side penalties for employers who hire illegal the solvency of Social Security, such as of the aisle. He emphasizes that he is open immigrants and to create a stronger em- allowing oil and gas drilling in national to new ideas and will talk to anyone, al- ployment verification system, expanding parks, including North Dakota’s Theodore though he notes that he would not com- beyond the current E-Verify program that Roosevelt National Park, to pay for the re- promise his principles. confirms the eligibility of individuals to tirement security program. When Pomeroy He says he decided that the country was work in the United States. assailed that idea, Berg said he wasn’t pro- headed down the wrong path when he saw Ellmers is expected to seek a spot on the posing any change in the law and mostly President Obama’s agenda, including the coveted Energy and Commerce Commit- favored more leasing on other federal lands. $787 billion stimulus law. tee. She has said ramping up drilling in Berg is a social conservative, opposing “The moment rang in my head as ‘This the waters off North Carolina would be a gay marriage and abortion rights while is not sustainable,’” he says. boon for the state’s economy. supporting gun owners’ rights.

2606 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh4 layout.indd 2606 11/5/2010 6:43:19 PM ELECTION 2010

OHIO (1) OHIO (6) OHIO (15) , R Bill Johnson, R , R Election: Defeated Rep. , D Election: Defeated Rep. Charlie Wilson, D Election: Defeated Rep. , D Residence: Residence: Poland Residence: Columbus Born: Jan. 22, 1953; Cincinnati, Ohio Born: Nov. 10, 1954; Roseboro, N.C. Born: March 24, 1965; Cincinnati, Ohio Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Protestant Religion: United Methodist Family: Wife, Donna Chabot; two children Family: Wife, LeeAnn Johnson; four children Family: Wife, Karen Stivers; one child Education: College of William & Mary, A.B. 1975 Education: Troy U., B.S. 1979 (computer science); Education: Ohio State U., B.A. 1989 (history); Northern Kentucky U., J.D. 1978 Georgia Institute of Technology, M.S. 1984 (international studies), M.B.A. 1996 Career: Lawyer; teacher (computer science) Military: Ohio Army National Guard, Political highlights: Candidate for Cincinnati City Military: Air Force 1973-78; Air Force 1979-99 1988-present Council, 1979, 1983; Cincinnati City Council, Career: Air Force officer; information technology Career: Lobbyist; securities company executive; 1985-90; Republican nominee for U.S. House, executive county party official; campaign aide 1988; Hamilton Co. Board of Commissioners, Political highlights: No previous office Political highlights: , 2003-08; 1990-95; U.S. House, 1995-2009; defeated for Republican nominee for U.S. House, 2008 re-election to U.S. House, 2008

veteran from the ohnson says the new tivers, who promotes A Republican class JCongress should Shimself as a budget of 1994, Chabot is on a make “fixing the econo- hawk, wants to cut dis- mission to restore con- my and creating jobs” its cretionary spending and servative principles to the top priority. supports giving line-item seat he lost to Democrat He backs extension veto authority to the Steve Driehaus in 2008 as of the Bush-era tax cuts president. a result of what he calls for all income levels and But even if it would “the Obama tsunami.” says reducing federal spending is the best save taxpayer dollars, don’t expect him to “I want to be part of the change from the way to protect Social Security. He opposes support legislation that would privatize change we saw,” he says. raising the retirement age. Social Security or raise the program’s re- Still a strong believer in the 1994 “Con- “We need to get the federal government off tirement age. “The promises made to our tract With America,” Chabot says his priori- the back of businesses. We have to grow the seniors must be promises kept,” he pledged ties are to “get control of the spending” and private sector,” he told the Herald-Dispatch during the campaign. Instead, he says he “restrain the growth of government.” He is of Huntington, W.Va., just across the Ohio wants to reduce costs by promoting ef- a fierce critic of the 2009 economic stimulus River from the 6th District, in September. ficiency and eliminating waste and fraud. package and the health care overhaul. Johnson, who retired from the Air Force Energy independence also is on Stivers’ The principal House sponsor of a 2003 as a lieutenant colonel, said fighting the list of congressional priorities. He sup- law outlawing the procedure known as war on terrorism “means treating our en- ports green energy technology, nuclear “partial birth” abortion, Chabot plans to emies as enemies — not as Americans with power and clean coal. But he turned his continue to promote anti-abortion poli- constitutional rights.” back this year on the cap-and-trade ap- cies upon his return to Congress. He also And he opposes repeal of the “don’t ask, proach to regulating greenhouse gas opposes gay marriage and supports Second don’t tell” policy barring gays and lesbians emissions, re- Amendment rights, with a mixed record on from serving openly in the armed forces. ported, even though he supported the privacy issues. Johnson said the controversy is a result not policy two years ago. During his previous 14 years in the of problems arising in the military over the The new health care law runs counter to House, Chabot served on the Judiciary, policy but from agitation by “the radical Stivers’ spending philosophy, and he will Foreign Affairs and Small Business com- homosexual lobby.” look for ways to control costs and promote mittees. Those stops included a stint as He said he is interested in serving on the price transparency. chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee Armed Services, Intelligence and Veterans’ He also isn’t a fan of this year’s financial on the Constitution from 2001 to 2006 and Affairs committees because of his military regulatory overhaul because it “spends too as Small Business’ ranking Republican in background; Science and Technology be- much money and it costs jobs,” he told the 2007 and 2008. He hopes to return to all cause of his work as a technology entrepre- Dispatch. three panels in the 112th Congress with his neur after leaving the military; and Energy But while he says he will try to “fix” seniority intact. and Commerce because energy issues are those two laws, he will not work to repeal “That will put me in a position to be important to his district. them. able to immediately play a very active role He backs repeal of the 2010 health care Stivers also speaks in support of abor- in reversing the direction of this Congress overhaul, citing his anti-abortion position tion rights, but he established an anti- from one of absolutely lack of restraint in as a reason for working to replace the law abortion record as a state Senator and spending to fiscal discipline and balanced with what he calls “market- and values-based was named a “preferred” candidate by budgets,” he says. solutions.” Ohio Right to Life.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2607

43housefrosh5 layout.indd 2607 11/5/2010 6:40:16 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

OHIO (16) OHIO (18) OKLAHOMA (5) , R , R James Lankford, R Pronounced: reh-NAY-see Election: Defeated Rep. , D Election: Defeated Billy Coyle, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. , D Residence: Lakeville Mary Fallin, R, who ran for governor Residence: Wadsworth Born: June 14, 1954; Peru, Ind. Residence: Edmond Born: Dec. 3, 1958; Monongahela, Pa. Religion: Methodist Born: March 4, 1968; Dallas, Texas Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Jody Gibbs; three children Religion: Baptist Family: Wife, Tina Renacci; three children Education: Ohio State U., A.A.S. 1974 (animal Family: Wife, Cindy Lankford; two children Education: Indiana U. of Pennsylvania, B.S. 1980 husbandry) Education: U. of Texas, B.S.Ed. 1990 (secondary (accounting) Career: Property management company owner; education-history); Southwestern Career: Business management consultant; hog farmer Theological Baptist Seminary, M.Div. 1994 professional arena football team executive; Political highlights: Ohio House, 2003-09; Ohio (biblical languages) nursing homes owner; accountant Senate, 2009-present Career: Religious youth camp director Political highlights: Wadsworth Board of Zoning Political highlights: No previous office Appeals, 1994-95; Wadsworth City Council presi- dent, 2000-2003; mayor of Wadsworth, 2004-07

enacci is a bottom- well-known state ankford brings an Rline kind of guy, A legislator, Gibbs Lunusual background an accountant who got reflects the fiscal and to Congress. into politics because he social of Instead of a law de- thought public budgets his rural district, which gree or a master’s in could be better drafted sweeps across eastern business administra- and executed. and southern Ohio and tion, his advanced de- He touts his conserva- includes rugged parts of gree is a master’s of di- tive social values — for example he opposes Appalachia. vinity focusing on biblical languages. abortion and research — but his Many of his constituents work in agricul- His 13 years as program director at campaign manager says “the main impetus ture — mostly dairy and beef cattle produc- Falls Creek, a huge Baptist youth camp for his campaign is to restore fiscal respon- tion — or in the steel and coal industries. As south of Oklahoma City, helped him sibility. . . . He’s going to take a bottom-line, in other blue-collar areas, unemployment develop a network of Southern Baptists business-oriented approach to governing.” in the district remains above the national that proved invaluable to his grass-roots A 1980 graduate of the Indiana Univer- average. mobilization effort in the Republican sity of Pennsylvania, Renacci got his start Gibbs’ top priority is cutting the fed- primary and runoff. in business as an accountant for a large eral deficit and lowering the national debt. He says the job also gave him leadership firm in Pittsburgh, where he kept the He wants to see greater small-business tax and business experience, as he applied the books for nursing home companies. He breaks, which he says would create jobs and limited resources of a nonprofit corpora- left for Ohio in 1984 and started his own boost the economy. tion to the complexity of a large institu- nursing home, which grew into a small He opposes any cap-and-trade legisla- tion serving tens of thousands of people group of nursing facilities. Fifteen years tion to address climate change, saying the annually. later he sold the nursing homes after his effects on industry would threaten to put He decided to run for Congress, he says, election to city council in Wadsworth. another 100,000 Ohioans out of work. because he believes the nation is “in great Renacci’s various business investments Like many of his fellow Republicans, risk of losing our freedom to worship, live have included minor league professional Gibbs opposes the 2010 health care over- as traditional families, pass on a better life sports teams. From 2003 to 2008 he was haul pushed by President Obama. “One of to our children, and speak out for the is- co-owner of the Columbus Destroyers, an the first things I will do is repeal ‘Obam- sues we hold dear. Our Constitution does Arena League football team. He is still a acare’ and, at the very least, make sure the not give us freedom; our Constitution rec- minority owner of a minor league baseball bill is ‘de-funded,’ ” Gibbs says. ognizes the freedom given to us by God. team in California called the Lancaster He hews strictly to the GOP line on im- Every generation must work to protect JetHawks. migration, opposing amnesty for illegal that freedom for the next generation.” In 2004 he was elected mayor of Wad- immigrants and calling on the Obama Lankford’s top priorities in the House sworth, and during his four years in office administration to strengthen security mea- are consistent with those of other fresh- he claimed credit for balancing the city’s sures along the nation’s borders. man Republicans: stopping deficit spend- budget without a tax increase by making With his background as a farmer and ing, simplifying the tax code, defending across-the-board spending cuts. small-business owner, Gibbs says he hopes states’ rights, increasing domestic oil and He also lured commercial development to serve on the Agriculture and Energy and gas production, and securing the borders. to the area, which increased the town’s Commerce committees. Given his concerns He would like to win assignments to the revenue. He touts pro-growth, limited- about federal spending, he would also like Budget and Transportation and Infra- spending, low-tax policies. to serve on the Appropriations Committee. structure committees.

2608 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh5 layout.indd 2608 11/5/2010 6:40:19 PM ELECTION 2010

PENNSYLVANIA (3) PENNSYLVANIA (7) PENNSYLVANIA (8) Mike Kelly, R Pat Meehan, R Michael G. Fitzpatrick, R Election: Defeated Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, D Election: Defeated Bryan Lentz, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Patrick J. Murphy, D Residence: Butler , D, who ran for Senate Residence: Levittown Born: May 10, 1948; Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence: Drexel Hill Born: June 28, 1963; Philadelphia, Pa. Religion: Roman Catholic Born: Oct. 20, 1955; Cheltenham, Pa. Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Victoria Kelly; four children Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, Kathy Fitzpatrick; six children Education: U. of Notre Dame, B.A. 1970 Family: Wife, Carolyn Meehan; three children Education: St. Thomas U. (Fla.), B.A. 1985 (sociology) Education: Bowdoin College, B.A. 1978 (classics (political science); Dickinson School of Law, Career: Car dealership owner & government); Temple U., J.D. 1986 J.D. 1988 Political highlights: Butler Area School Board, Career: Lawyer; congressional district and Career: Lawyer 1992-96; Butler City Council, 2006-09 campaign aide; professional hockey referee Political highlights: Republican nominee for Pa. Political highlights: Delaware County district House, 1990, 1994; Bucks County Board of attorney, 1996-2001; U.S. attorney, 2001-08 Commissioners, 1995-2005; U.S. House, 2005- 07; defeated for re-election to U.S. House, 2006

elly hopes to land a eehan promises to itzpatrick proved Kseat on the Budget Mfocus on economic Fduring his previous, Committee, where he issues in Congress, telling one-term stay in the would serve as a fiscal Pennsylvania voters he House that he was a reli- hawk. will push for federal in- able conservative on both “I think if there were vestments in the district economic and social more people in the leg- while fighting against issues. islature that had actu- any tax increases on small During his come- ally run a business, I think they’d have a businesses or individual taxpayers. back campaign he stressed jobs and defi- better idea of what they’re doing,” the car Repairing the economy “is going to cits, saying, “Federal spending is out of dealership owner says. take courageous decisions at a bipar- control.” Kelly supports a legislative “sunset tisan level,” Meehan said at an issues On the tax side, Fitzpatrick backs ex- clause” that would mandate the expira- forum during the campaign. To help tension of the 2001 and 2003 cuts for all tion of federally funded programs unless create jobs, he wants to allocate federal income levels, arguing that letting tax Congress acts to renew them. dollars to infrastructure projects for rates go up now would discourage job He will vote to repeal the 2010 health highways and mass transit. creation. care overhaul if given the opportunity, be- The former U.S. attorney, who was A former Bucks County commis - cause it addresses government, not health sworn in six days after the Sept. 11 terror- sioner, the business-friendly Fitzpatrick care, according to his campaign website. ist attacks, is likely to be a leader in Con- served on the Small Business and Finan- The Veterans’ Affairs Committee inter- gress on terrorism and crime matters. He cial Services panels during the 109th ests Kelly. He is not a veteran, but he says earned a reputation in that post for pros- Congress. And he espouses a familiar he is inspired by his father’s military ser- ecuting Pennsylvania officials brought up GOP refrain: “Government does not cre- vice in World War II. “I’d like to somehow on corruption charges. ate jobs. Free enterprise, business, indus- be able to work on something that gives He also focused on efforts against ter- try and entrepreneurs do.” back to [veterans] and everything they’ve rorism, identity theft and gang crime. On a range of issues, Fitzpatrick hews done for us,” Kelly says. Meehan, who is mum about which to the conservative line: He takes a tough He notes that his district is home to committee assignments he is angling for, stance on national security, backs stricter two veterans’ hospital facilities and that arrives in Congress after a highly com- immigration enforcement, supports gun veterans “have to feel assured that they petitive race. And it wasn’t even the first owners’ rights and criticizes the Demo- can go and get the kind of care that they’re race he entered during the 2010 cycle. He crats’ health care overhaul while promot- entitled to.” originally sought to run for Pennsylvania ing “free-market solutions” to boost insur- While Kelly attended numerous events governor, but he pulled out early in the ance coverage. for the tea party movement during his contest to run for the congressional seat Fitzpatrick says he supports a “bal- campaign, he says he has not decided being vacated by Democrat Joe Sestak, anced” energy policy that includes nuclear whether to join the who ran for Senate. power, development of clean-coal tech- formed by Republican The 7th District is a big pickup for Repub- nology and “responsible” offshore drill- of Minnesota this year. “I’m not really licans, who counted on capturing the seat ing. He would also be a champion for the painting myself in a corner right now,” he as part of their effort to win back the House development of natural gas from Penn- says. “I’m certainly open to anything that of Representatives. The National Republi- sylvania’s Marcellus Shale, which he says would help me serve better as a representa- can Congressional Committee identified would provide both an increased supply tive to the people in the 3rd District.” Meehan as one of their first “Young Guns.” of domestic energy and jobs for the state.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2609

43housefrosh5 layout.indd 2609 11/5/2010 6:40:21 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

PENNSYLVANIA (10) PENNSYLVANIA (11) RHODE ISLAND (1) , R Lou Barletta, R , D Election: Defeated Rep. Christopher Carney, D Election: Defeated Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, D Pronounced: sis-uh-LEE-nee Residence: Lycoming Township Residence: Hazleton Election: Defeated John Loughlin, R, to succeed Born: Aug. 13, 1952; Williamsport, Pa. Born: Jan. 28, 1956; Hazleton, Pa. Patrick J. Kennedy, D, who retired Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Roman Catholic Residence: Providence Family: Wife, Edie Marino; two children Family: Wife, MaryGrace Barletta; four children Born: July 15, 1961; Providence, R.I. Education: Williamsport Area Community Education: Bloomsburg State College, attended Religion: Jewish College, A.A. 1983; Lycoming College, B.A. 1985 1973-76; Luzerne County Community College, Family: Single (political science & secondary education); attended 1976-77 Education: Brown U., B.A. 1983 (political Dickinson School of Law, J.D. 1988 Career: Pavement marking company owner science); Georgetown U., J.D. 1986 Career: Lawyer; bakery worker Political highlights: Republican nominee for Career: Lawyer; public defender Political highlights: Lycoming County district Hazleton City Council, 1996; Hazleton City Coun- Political highlights: Sought Democratic attorney, 1992-2002; U.S. attorney, 2002-07 cil, 1998-00; mayor of Hazleton, 2000-present; nomination for R.I. Senate, 1992; R.I. House, Republican nominee for U.S. House, 2002, 2008 1995-2003; mayor of Providence, 2003-present

udiciary would seem arletta made na- fter serving eight Jto be a natural com- Btional news as may- Ayears as mayor of mittee assignment for or of Hazleton in 2006, Providence, David Cicil- Marino, who was the dis- when he vowed that his line heads to the House trict attorney in his rural small city would be “the with “a perspective and home county for a de- toughest place on illegal an understanding,” he cade and then the Bush immigrants in America.” says, of the “urgency of administration’s top fed- The tough ordinance he what needs to be done” eral prosecutor in a mostly rural region that pushed through the city council has been to get people back to work. stretches from Harrisburg to Scranton. struck down in federal court, but illegal im- He would like to follow his predecessor, No Pennsylvanian from either party is migration remains a signature issue for him. Democrat Patrick J. Kennedy, on to the currently on the panel. GOP leaders gener- Although Barletta follows the conser- Appropriations Committee, but Cicilline ally pick reliable social conservatives for the vative GOP line on most topics — he also has his sights on a more realistic goal: committee, and Marino is unambiguous opposes abortion and favors strong gun the Transportation and Infrastructure on many of the hot-button issues within rights — he says he wants to be an in- Committee. A former public defender, he its purview, starting with his opposition to dependent voice in Congress and find also is interested in the Judiciary panel. abortion, gun control and creating a path common-sense solutions whenever pos- Cicilline promises to push to bring to citizenship for illegal immigrants. sible. “I hope to make a difference in troops home from Afghanistan as “expe- If Republicans push to reopen the debate Washington,” he says. ditiously and responsibly as possible,” say- on the health care system, Marino could On the economy, Barletta says there ing, “we spent $400 billion in Afghanistan, use a Judiciary assignment to advance his are “many things” that Congress can do and we have bridges and water systems in (and his party’s) longstanding goal of limit- to help create jobs while bringing “some our own country that need to be rebuilt.” ing medical-malpractice litigation. sense” to federal tax laws. He also opposes Cicilline says his first priority is job Marino also has expressed interest in a the 2010 health care overhaul. creation. He has pushed for a Made in few other committees: Veterans’ Affairs, He would like to put his background America Block Grant program to help because the aging population he will rep- in road construction to good use on the manufacturers retrofit their businesses resent includes a large number of veterans, Transportation and Infrastructure Com- and retrain employees. He supports the and Agriculture, where he would work to mittee. His father owned a road construc- creation of a National Infrastructure Bank protect the interests of the dairy farmers tion company, and Barletta co-founded to develop public-private partnerships for populating the state’s northeast corner. his own construction firm, Interstate investment in infrastructure projects. Another parochial priority will be boosting Road Marking Corp., before becoming He refused to take campaign contribu- efforts to extract natural gas from the Mar- mayor. tions from city employees as a mayoral cellus Shale geologic formation underneath Barletta is expected to continue to and congressional candidate and supports central Pennsylvania. promote a project that will transform public financing for elections. Marino, who describes himself as support- an abandoned coal-mining operation in Cicilline has vowed to work for full ive of but not part of the tea party movement, Hazleton into a tourist destination with a equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual expects to be a reliable vote for the GOP on 20,000-person amphitheater. and transgendered community. “As an all major areas but one: While most Repub- He would also like a seat on the Judi- openly gay man, I have a deep under- licans describe themselves as free-traders, he ciary Committee, which handles the bulk standing of the importance of achieving has expressed opposition to several pending of immigration legislation that moves equality for all citizens,” he said on his trade liberalization agreements. through the House. campaign website.

2610 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh5 layout.indd 2610 11/5/2010 6:40:24 PM ELECTION 2010

SOUTH CAROLINA (1) (3) SOUTH CAROLINA (4) Tim Scott, R , R Trey Gowdy, R Election: Defeated Ben Frasier, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Jane Dyer, D, to succeed J. Election: Defeated Paul Corden, D, after Henry E. Brown Jr., R, who retired Gresham Barrett, R, who ran for governor defeating in the primary Residence: Charleston Residence: Laurens Residence: Spartanburg Born: Sept. 19, 1965; North Charleston, S.C. Born: Jan. 7, 1966; Greenville, S.C. Born: Aug. 22, 1964; Greenville, S.C. Religion: Christian Religion: Baptist Religion: Baptist Family: Single Family: Wife, Melody Duncan; three children Family: Wife, Terri Gowdy; two children Education: Presbyterian College, attended 1983- Education: Clemson U., B.A. 1988 (political Education: Baylor U., B.A. 1986 (history); U. of 84; Charleston Southern U., B.S. 1988 science) South Carolina, J.D. 1989 Career: Insurance agency owner; financial Career: Real estate auction company owner; real Career: Lawyer adviser estate broker; banker Political highlights: Assistant U.S. attorney, 1994- Political highlights: Charleston County Council, Political highlights: S.C. House, 2003-present 2000; S.C. 7th Circuit solicitor, 2001-present 1995-2008 (chairman, 2002-03, 2007-08); Republican nominee for S.C. Senate, 1996; S.C. House, 2009-present

cott, the first Afri- uncan plans to fo- owdy has a clear lit- Scan-American Re- Dcus much of his at- Gmus test for evaluat- publican elected to the tention on promoting ing whether to support a South Carolina House nuclear energy, specifical- legislative proposal: Can of Representatives since ly at the federal govern- the bill’s sponsor point to Reconstruction, now ex- ment’s Savannah River the portion of the Con- pects to make his mark in site, a portion of which stitution that empowers Washington as a staunch falls within his district. Congress to legislate in fiscal conservative. He says energy independence is vital to that area? The small-business owner says he is es- national security and the health of the “I have to have a paradigm that you can pecially committed to ending the practice economy. He views nuclear power — and consistently apply,” the former federal of earmarking. the Savannah River site, which has reactors prosecutor says. “My legislative paradigm “This has to stop if we are ever going to as well as a national laboratory — as a key would start with whether or not some- get our fiscal house in order,” Scott says. ingredient in that equation. thing is constitutional.” Supported by prominent politicians on Duncan, who developed solidly conser- Gowdy, who has served as circuit solici- the right including Sarah Palin and Sen. vative credentials as a state legislator, is tor (district attorney) for the past decade, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, Scott has willing to work across the aisle on behalf will be at home in a crop of conservative, enthusiastically embraced other conser- of the facility. In particular, he wants to change-minded Republican freshmen. vative positions, including repealing the enlist the help of a fellow South Carolinian: He views himself as an outsider, a role he 2010 health care overhaul law and reduc- James E. Clyburn, a member of the House played to the hilt in defeating six-term Rep. ing federal spending and taxes. Democratic leadership. Bob Inglis in the GOP primary. He pledges He has made the economic develop- He also wants to work to expand other do- that he will not be tempted by inside-the- ment of his coastal district a priority, mestic energy sources — including offshore Beltway trappings. Too many in Washing- pledging to fight for highway and other oil — and he eventually wants to win a seat ton are preoccupied with getting re-elected, public-works funding. on the Energy and Commerce Committee. he says, and the tenor of debate has become “I understand the importance of having In the meantime, he is interested in overly vitriolic. That has eroded public the infrastructure to bring more industry, two other committees: Financial Services, trust in government, something he hopes business, and jobs to our state,” Scott says. where he could use the skills he developed to help change. He has been critical of the administra- during his career in banking; and Agricul- “You can fight hard but still fight fair- tion’s efforts to curb deepwater drilling ture, where his experience as chairman of ly,” says Gowdy, who as solicitor donated in the wake of the BP oil spill, saying that the state House’s agriculture panel would portions of his campaign war chest to domestic oil production must continue be useful. He also was chairman of a panel keep members of his staff from having to along with the pursuit of nuclear, solar, assigned to study South Carolina’s educa- take state-ordered furloughs. coal and other sources of energy. tion funding formulas. Gowdy says he would be interested in Although he stresses economic issues, Duncan is passionate about stronger serving on the Financial Services or Foreign Scott is also a cultural conservative, op- oversight of federal agencies. In the state Affairs committee. He could also be inter- posing gun control, embryonic stem cell House, he created a subcommittee that ested in a spot on the Judiciary Committee, research and gay marriage. He favors a focused exclusively on reviewing new regu- which would allow him to draw on his federal crackdown on illegal immigration lations. In Washington, he says, he will extensive legal background as a prosecutor and was endorsed by the founder of the continue to monitor the federal bureau- at both the state and federal levels, and as a Minutemen Project. cracy closely. lawyer in private practice early in his career.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2611

43housefrosh5 layout.indd 2611 11/5/2010 6:40:27 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

SOUTH CAROLINA (5) SOUTH DAKOTA (AL) TENNESSEE (3) Mick Mulvaney, R , R , R Election: Defeated Rep. John M. Spratt Jr., D Pronounced: NOHM Election: Defeated John Wolfe, D, to succeed Residence: Indian Land Election: Defeated Rep. Stephanie Herseth Zach Wamp, R, who ran for governor Born: July 21, 1967; Alexandria, Va. Sandlin, D Residence: Ooltewah Religion: Roman Catholic Residence: Castlewood Born: Oct. 11, 1962; Manhattan, N.Y. Family: Wife, Pam Mulvaney; three children Born: Nov. 30, 1971; Watertown, S.D. Religion: Roman Catholic Education: Georgetown U., B.S.F.S 1989 Religion: Evangelical Christian Family: Wife, Brenda Fleischmann; three children (international economics); U. of North Carolina, Family: Husband, Bryon Noem; three children Education: U. of Illinois, B.A.L.A.S. 1983 (political J.D. 1992 Education: Northern State U., attended 1990-92; science); U. of Tennessee, J.D. 1986 Career: Real estate developer; restaurateur; South Dakota State U., attending (political Career: Lawyer lawyer science) Political highlights: No previous office Political highlights: S.C. House, 2007-09; S.C. Career: Farmer; rancher; hunting lodge owner; Senate, 2009-present restaurant manager Political highlights: S.D. House, 2007-present (assistant majority leader, 2009-present)

ulvaney stands to oem hopes to be longtime lawyer Mbe part of what he Na voice of fiscal re- A and occasional ra- calls a new generation of straint and limited gov- dio talk show host, Fleis- young fiscal conserva- ernment while also advo- chmann is expected to be tives in Congress, aiming cating conservative social a party-line Republican to curb what he sees as values. in Congress. He told a out-of-control govern- She supports repeal- Tennessee social club ment spending. ing the Democrats’ before the election that “I got into politics in 2006 as a reaction health care overhaul as well as extending his first line of business would be to “say to the Republican spending in the middle a moratorium on earmarks and reducing goodbye to [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi.” part of that decade,” he says. “I didn’t like taxes. He has promised to support a repeal of the how my party was spending.” “We need to get our economy back on health care overhaul law enacted in 2010, and Favoring limited government, legislative track and get the excessive spending and he says that he will work to reduce the deficit, transparency and term limits, Mulvaney has government growth under control,” she promote gun rights, and fight against abor- the support of both the tea party movement says. tion rights and gay marriage. He also sup- and the Republican establishment. While she has avoided being labeled a tea ports oil exploration in the Arctic National Though freshmen aren’t generally party candidate, Noem shares the move- Wildlife Reserve, increasing nuclear power invited to join the Budget Committee, ment’s prototypical affinity for small gov- capabilities and clean-coal energy. Mulvaney hopes his defeat of the panel’s ernment, free markets, transparency and When he arrives in Washington, Fleis- chairman and the state’s longest-serving “constitutional conservatism” — stances chmann will be hoping for a seat on the congressman, 15-term Democrat John M. that have gained her comparison to home- Appropriations Committee, where eight- Spratt Jr., will give him a shot. state GOP Sen. John Thune and former term Republican Zach Wamp, his prede- His background in business, economics, Gov. Sarah Palin. cessor, served. commerce, finance and law makes him an Noem also trends right on social issues, Fleischmann has no prior service in ideal candidate for that appointment, he opposing gay marriage, abortion and regu- public office. He founded a law firm with says. A lawyer by training, Mulvaney has lation of firearms. his wife almost immediately after gradu- also worked in his family’s homebuilding “In the state legislature, I sponsored key ating from law school in 1986. Although and real estate company. legislation to protect our Second Amend- a political novice, Fleischmann’s victory He decided to run for Congress while ment rights,” she says. “I plan on doing the over Democrat John Wolfe came as no watching Spratt get jeered at a November same thing in the House of Representatives.” surprise. His first-place finish in a con- 2009 meeting on health care, and Mul- A lifelong rancher, Noem says she would tentious and crowded August primary vaney says he’ll immediately seek a full be interested in pursuing seats on the En- basically ensured that he would go on to repeal of President Obama’s health care ergy and Commerce and Agriculture com- represent the majority-Republican district. overhaul law. mittees. Fleischmann’s primary win was largely Mulvaney hopes to follow that with “an She says changes need to be made to credited to his deep campaign coffers, in- alternative proposal that will bring some federal crop subsidies, an issue of major cluding $700,000 of his own money, which free-market reforms to health care,” he says. importance in her state. While she is not helped him defeat former state party chair- Mulvaney supports a moratorium on opposed to continuing direct payments, woman Robin Smith. An endorsement earmarks, at least until the budget is bal- Noem said more emphasis needs to be by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee anced, and he says he hopes to create jobs placed on crop insurance and risk man- also helped Fleischmann nab the primary in his home state by cutting taxes. agement. victory.

2612 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh5 layout.indd 2612 11/5/2010 6:40:29 PM ELECTION 2010

TENNESSEE (4) TENNESSEE (6) TENNESSEE (8) Scott DesJarlais, R Diane Black, R Stephen Fincher, R Pronounced: DAY-zhur-lay Election: Defeated Brett Carter, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Roy Herron, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Lincoln Davis, D Bart Gordon, D, who retired John Tanner, D, who retired Residence: South Pittsburg Residence: Gallatin Residence: Frog Jump Born: Feb. 21, 1964; Des Moines, Iowa Born: Jan. 16, 1951; Baltimore, Md. Born: Feb. 7, 1973; Memphis, Tenn. Religion: Episcopalian Religion: Lutheran Religion: United Methodist Family: Wife, Amy DesJarlais; four children Family: Husband, David Black; three children Family: Wife, Lynn Fincher; three children Education: U. of South Dakota, B.S. 1987 Education: Anne Arundel Community College, Education: Crockett County H.S., graduated 1990 (chemistry & psychology), M.D. 1991 A.S.N. 1971; Belmont U., B.S.N. 1992 Career: Farmer Career: Physician Career: Nonprofit community organization Political highlights: No previous office Political highlights: No previous office fundraiser; nurse Political highlights: Tenn. House, 1999-2005; Tenn. Senate, 2005-present

esJarlais, a physi- lack, who will oc- incher says the fed- Dcian, says he was Bcupy a seat that was Feral government has inspired to run by what long in the Democratic become too powerful, patients were saying at column, wants to apply and he wants to restore his Jasper practice. People her conservative ideas to money and power to were talking less about areas such as health care, state governments. hunting and fishing, he the federal budget and “We need to return to says, and more about immigration. the ways of Ronald Rea- their anger at the Obama With a background gan and less regulation,” administration. as an emergency room nurse, she has says Fincher, who considers himself socially He promises that he will be an “equal made her top priority repealing the 2010 and fiscally conservative. opportunity cutter” in Congress: “Every health care overhaul. Fincher would vote to renew the 2001 program in the government right now has “As a registered nurse, I believe patients, and 2003 tax cuts for all income levels. He waste and abuse in it,” he says. “The In- doctors, and health care providers should says extending the tax cuts would be more ternal Revenue Service is a great example be making health care decisions — not effective than another stimulus spending of a place to start, but there’s so many bureaucrats in Washington,” Black says. package at creating jobs in the private sec- departments that need to be pared down Black, who was a leader in the state Sen- tor and helping the nation recover from the and cleaned up.” ate’s GOP caucus, is proposing an over- recession. Another stimulus would just add Bureaucracy limits all levels of the pri- haul of Capitol Hill’s budgeting process, to the government spending that should vate sector, DesJarlais says. “Small busi- advocating that lawmakers’ paychecks be be cut, he says. nesses and corporations are being smoth- withheld for every day that Congress fails He is proud that Tennessee has no in- ered by regulations that are keeping us to meet its annual budget deadline. She come tax and has a right-to-work law, from being competitive with foreign coun- also wants to end congressional pensions which allows most employees to decide tries,” he argues. and adopt a constitutional amendment whether to join or support a union. He He promises to do “anything that re- requiring a balanced federal budget. wants to become a “salesman” for his dis- duces the size and scope of government Black is conservative on social issues, op- trict by supporting projects and bills that and reduces taxes” and says seats on the posing gun control efforts and supporting would benefit it. Budget or Small Business panels would policies that limit abortion. She also wants to He would vote to repeal the health care help him pursue those goals. crack down further on illegal immigration; bill because health care and medical de- He identifies with the 1994 House GOP she was endorsed by Jim Gilchrist, founder cisions should be made by patients and class and wants to revive one of its signa- of the Minuteman Project, a vigilante group doctors, not government officials, he says. ture issues: term limits. They would help that patrols the U.S.-Mexico border. Fincher favors anti-abortion policies; restore accountability and leadership in Black was thrust into the national spot- comprehensive energy policy that offers Congress, he says, moving it to an environ- light when an aide sent out from a state more domestic drilling, including in the ment where a lawmaker can “say what you computer a racist e-mail about President Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; cracking mean and mean what you say.” Obama. After an outcry from state Demo- down on illegal immigration and improv- The 2010 health care law also is a tar- cratic leaders, Black reprimanded the aide, ing border security; and making military get. “I think that I can lend a lot of exper- saying the communication “does not re- and veteran support a top budget priority, tise as a physician and would be a strong flect my opinions or my beliefs.” according to his campaign website. supporter of repeal,” says DesJarlais, who Black has an interest in defense issues Fincher is interested in seats on the Small works in the family practice at a commu- and says that she would welcome a seat on Business, Armed Services and Agriculture nity hospital. the Armed Services Committee. committees.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2613

43housefrosh6 layout.indd 2613 11/5/2010 6:38:26 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

TEXAS (17) TEXAS (23) (2) Bill Flores, R Francisco “Quico” Canseco, R Scott Rigell, R Election: Defeated Rep. Chet Edwards, D Pronounced: KEY-koh Pronounced: RIDGE-uhl Residence: Bryan Election: Defeated Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez, D Election: Defeated Rep. Glenn Nye, D Born: Feb. 25, 1954; Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. Residence: San Antonio Residence: Virginia Beach Religion: Baptist Born: July 30, 1949; Laredo, Texas Born: May 28, 1960; Titusville, Fla. Family: Wife, Gina Flores; two children Religion: Roman Catholic Religion: Protestant Education: Texas A&M U., B.B.A. 1976 Family: Wife, Gloria Canseco; three children Family: Wife, Teri Rigell; four children (accounting); Baptist U., M.B.A. 1985 Education: Saint Louis U., B.A. 1972 (history), Education: Brevard Community College, A.A. Career: Energy company executive; oil drilling J.D. 1975 1981; Mercer U., B.B.A 1983 (management); company financial manager; accountant Career: Lawyer; banker; real estate developer Regent U., M.B.A. 1990 Political highlights: No previous office Political highlights: Sought Republican Military: Marine Corps Reserve 1978-84 nomination for U.S. House, 2004, 2008 Career: Car dealership owner Political highlights: Va. Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, 1995-99

lthough Flores does anseco won the only igell will represent Anot have any po- C2010 congressional Rone of the nation’s litical experience, he says race that featured His- most dense populations his business success has panic nominees from of current or former prepared him for service both major parties. He service members, and in Congress. He worked says his priorities will be he vows to improve the his way up from modest to reduce taxes for small quality of life for mili- means to become chief businesses as a way to cre- tary personnel and vet- executive of Phoenix Exploration, an energy ate jobs and to replace the 2010 health care erans. company. overhaul. He hopes to serve on the Armed Servic- “I know what it means to sign a pay- He points to his experience developing es Subcommittee on Military Personnel check, make a payroll, balance a budget, shopping centers and investing in a com- and will work to expand military health repay debt, acquire health care coverage,” munity bank as evidence that he can be and child care benefits. And he will argue he says. “That’s what sets me apart.” a strong advocate for small businesses. In for increased military spending if neces- Flores says he believes in limited govern- particular, he says, businesses should be sary to ensure that troops have the best ment, and he wants to work on improving allowed to expand their tax exemptions for equipment available. the economy, creating jobs and reducing net operating losses as a way to “weather “If we’re going to put them in harm’s the federal deficit by controlling spend- the tough economic times, make needed way, we owe them the very best — that ing. “I want to focus on the things that purchases and prevent further layoffs.” would mean focusing in on the benefits nothing is being done about,” he said. He also says Congress should cut taxes for awarded [to personnel], the quality of the Flores supports permanently extend- people who are currently in the 10 percent training and accessibility of health care,” ing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, freezing and 15 percent income-tax brackets and says Rigell, a second-generation Marine. any unspent funds from the economic prevent unemployment benefits from being His coastal district includes Naval Sta- stimulus, creating a federal payroll-tax taxed, because it “only adds insult to injury.” tion Norfolk and Langley Air Force Base. holiday, repealing the 2010 health care Despite the fact that the district is 65 Rigell, who founded an automotive overhaul and blocking legislation to cre- percent Hispanic and shares a long border company in 1991, also hopes to serve on ate a cap-and-trade system for green- with Mexico, immigration policy was not the Financial Services Committee, espe- house gas emissions. a prominent issue during the campaign. cially its Subcommittee on Financial Insti- Flores says he also is interested in bor- Both candidates, however, did call for im- tutions and Consumer Credit to “get our der security and homeland security in proved border security. banks lending again in a responsible way.” general. On social issues, he said he will Canseco’s stance on immigration gen- “I’ve been creating jobs for 20-plus consistently support traditional marriage erally follows the GOP line: He opposes years,” he says. “I’ve borrowed money; I’ve and anti-abortion legislation, though he amnesty for illegal immigrants already in paid it back. I have firsthand knowledge of does not plan on introducing any such the United States and supports deporting the kind of lending environment we need bills himself. And he is an advocate of those who commit crimes. In June he told for business to grow.” congressional term limits. the San Antonio Express-News that he Rigell has vowed to attack the deficit Flores says his energy experience would backs Arizona’s controversial immigration by rooting out “terrible inefficiencies” in make him a good fit for the Energy and law, saying it “parallels the federal govern- government. Commerce Committee, and he eventually ment and in many ways is more benign.” He says he is “proudly pro-life,” sup- would like a seat on the Ways and Means Canseco’s campaign would not say what ports “traditional marriage” and strongly panel. his committee preferences are. supports the rights of gun owners.

2614 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

43housefrosh6 layout.indd 2614 11/5/2010 6:38:28 PM ELECTION 2010

VIRGINIA (5) VIRGINIA (9) WASHINGTON (3) Robert Hurt, R , R Jaime Herrera, R Election: Defeated Rep. Tom Perriello, D Election: Defeated Rep. Rick Boucher, D Pronounced: JAY-me Residence: Chatham Residence: Salem Election: Defeated Denny Heck, D, to succeed Born: June 16, 1969; Manhattan, N.Y. Born: March 15, 1958; Philadelphia, Pa. Brian Baird, D, who retired Religion: Presbyterian Religion: Protestant Residence: Camas Family: Wife, Kathy Hurt; three children Family: Wife, Hilary Griffith; three children Born: Nov. 3, 1978; Glendale, Calif. Education: Hampden-Sydney College, B.A. 1991 Education: Emory & Henry College, B.A. 1980 Religion: Christian (English); Mississippi College, J.D. 1995 (history); Washington and Lee U., J.D. 1983 Family: Husband, Daniel Beutler Career: Lawyer; county prosecutor Career: Lawyer Education: Seattle Pacific U., attended 1996-98; Political highlights: Chatham Town Council, Political highlights: Salem Republican Bellevue Community College, A.A. 2003; U. of 2000-2001; Va. House, 2002-08; Va. Senate, Committee chairman, 1986-88, 1991-94; Washington, B.A. 2004 (communications) 2008-present Va. House, 1994-present (majority leader, Career: Congressional aide 2000-present) Political highlights: Wash. House, 2007-present

hen he arrives on riffith brings a long errera is no stranger WCapitol Hill, Hurt Grecord of legal and Hto Capitol Hill: As says, he will work to re- state government experi- a former aide to fellow duce the size of govern- ence to Congress, where Washington Republican ment. He also pledges to he plans to focus on taxes Cathy McMorris Rodg- make protecting private and gun rights. ers and an intern in the property laws and na- After earning a law de- George W. Bush White tional security a top pri- gree, Griffith worked as a House, she is familiar ority. private attorney in the Roanoke area, where with the machinations of the nation’s capital. Hurt says he will support anti-abortion he focused on traffic violations and DUIs. At 32, she will be one of the youngest legislation in Congress. He also promises In 2008, he became partner at Virginia- members of Congress and the youngest to oppose bills that would allow embryon- based Albo and Oblon, run by fellow Re- woman in the chamber. The National ic stem-cell research or that would permit publican Delegate Dave Albo. Griffith, Republican Congressional Committee gay marriage. who served as chairman of the Salem Re- named her to the top tier of its “Young Though a newcomer to Congress, Hurt publican Party, also served as director of Guns” program, a distinction it credited has extensive experience in Virginia poli- Salem Bank and Trust. to her fundraising efforts. tics. As a delegate to the state legislature, The Philadelphia native compiled a Although Herrera is seen as an “estab- he focused on funding for K-12 education markedly conservative voting record dur- lishment” Republican (she bested two and safety for students in the state. ing his 16 years of service as a member more conservative candidates in the pri- He has voted two dozen times to sup- of the House of Delegates. In 2000, he mary, including one backed by the tea par- port bills in the General Assembly that cut was elected the chamber’s majority leader, ty movement) she has positioned herself as taxes on cigarettes, gas and food. However, becoming the first Republican to hold an independent thinker, a good fit given in 2004, he supported a $1.6 million tax that title. her district’s swing status. She has criti- increase backed by Gov. Mark Warner, now Griffith has written and passed legisla- cized Republicans for not reining in deficit one of the state’s Democratic senators. tion to reduce taxes, establish Virginia cable spending or passing their own health care But he says his support of that tax in- television competition laws, crack down on legislation while in the majority. crease should not give his new GOP col- sex offenders and protect gun rights. Her record in the state legislature in- leagues a cause for concern. Hurt, one of His voting record led to a strong en- dicates that she does not always toe the the National Republican Congressional dorsement from the National Rifle As- party line — for example, she voted to al- Committee’s “Young Guns,” maintained sociation, which gave him an “A” rat- low unionization of child care workers, a throughout his race that he plans to fight ing every term he was in office. He also position that put her at odds with other tax increases and that he will work to cre- received endorsements from a slew of Republicans in the state House. ate jobs. delegates and senators. Her agenda in Congress is expected to Although he was originally not received As a member of Congress, Griffith focus on job creation, a direction dictated well by the tea party, several supporters of plans to continue the conservative path by her district’s economic woes. The 3rd that movement have since gotten behind he blazed in Richmond. He will support District’s unemployment rate is higher Hurt and say they agree with his priorities legislation to curb abortion, protect Sec- than the national average and its counties’ on Capitol Hill. ond Amendment rights to own firearms rates are among the highest in the state. Hurt declined to name which commit- and define marriage as between a man In addition, Herrera has pledged to tees he would like to join when the 112th and a woman. He also intends to oppose oppose all tax increases, and she backs a Congress convenes. tax increases. balanced-budget amendment.

www.cq.com | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | CQ WEEKLY 2615

43housefrosh6 layout.indd 2615 11/5/2010 6:38:31 PM THE FRESHMEN House Members

WEST VIRGINIA (1) WISCONSIN (7) WISCONSIN (8) David McKinley, R Sean P. Duffy, R Reid Ribble, R Election: Defeated Mike Oliverio, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Julie Lassa, D, to succeed Election: Defeated Rep. Steve Kagen, D Alan B. Mollohan, D, who lost the primary David R. Obey, D, who retired Residence: De Pere Residence: Wheeling Residence: Ashland Born: April 5, 1956; Neenah, Wis. Born: March 28, 1947; Wheeling, W.Va. Born: Oct. 3, 1971; Hayward, Wis. Religion: Baptist Religion: Episcopalian Religion: Roman Catholic Family: Wife, DeaNa Ribble; two children Family: Wife, Mary McKinley; four children Family: Wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy; six children Education: Appleton East H.S., graduated 1974 Education: Purdue U., B.S.C.E. 1969 Education: St. Mary’s College (Minn.), B.A. 1994 Career: Roofing construction company president Career: Civil engineer; architectural engineering (marketing); William Mitchell College of Law, J.D. Political highlights: No previous office company owner 1999 Political highlights: W.Va. House, 1980-95; W.Va. Career: County prosecutor; lawyer; bus driver; Republican Party chairman, 1990-94; sought professional timber sports competitor; reality Republican nomination for governor, 1996 show personality Political highlights: Ashland County district attorney, 2002-10

fter a 15-year hiatus uffy has come a ibble says he will be Afrom public office, Dlong way from his Ra cautious lawmaker McKinley returns as a days on the 1997 reality wary of federal actions pro-business, pro-coal show “The Real World: that stifle job growth. conservative who ran a Boston.” But when he During three decades campaign that was as joins the cast of Con- running a roofing com- much about his experi- gress, Duffy can employ pany, he says, he learned ence as a small-business some of the media savvy valuable skills that can owner as it was about his seven terms in the he picked up while doing the MTV series to be repurposed for legislative work — such state legislature. draw attention to his signature causes. as knowing how to balance a budget and McKinley views himself as a loyal con- One of his top priorities on Capitol Hill complete projects on time and in order. servative but not part of the extreme right will be to return government spending The federal government needs to give wing of his party. He has disagreed with to 2008 levels. He pledges to end govern- businesses a breather after all the uncer- national GOP leaders on trade policy (he ment bailouts and to cancel any unspent tainty stemming from legislation such as believes West Virginia needs a more level economic stimulus funds. the 2010 health care overhaul, he says. playing field to be competitive) and op- He will also work against the cap-and- “The business community has no idea poses raising the Social Security retire- trade climate bill. what the impact will be,” he says about the ment age. His architectural and engineer- Replacing Democrat David R. Obey, law. “The regulations haven’t been spelled ing firm, McKinley and Associates, has chairman of the Appropriations Commit- out. . . . Government does one thing, and a comfortable relationship with union tee, will not be an easy job. In a Web video then there’s 15 unintended consequences.” workers. In a legislature that was dom- announcing his candidacy, Duffy said he During his campaign, he talked to busi- inated by Democrats, he often worked decided to run because he was frustrated ness owners who said that in the current across the aisle. about fiscal irresponsibility on Capitol Hill. environment, they would rather pay more In many ways McKinley is an engineer “I believe that small business is the way overtime than hire more workers. first and a politician second. He opposed we’re going to get out of this financial cri- “There’s a cumulative effect of every a bill to increase the weight limit of trucks sis,” he said. “I’m going to support small piece of legislation that American busi- on state highways, which had been backed business, and I’m going to support the nesses have to respond to,” he says. “That’s by the coal industry. Although McKinley workers of the 7th District.” really strangling job creation right now.” considered himself a friend of coal, the civil Duffy personifies a dichotomy in the Ribble believes Congress must make a engineer in him was certain that raising the House. Born in 1971, the new congress- legitimate effort to balance the budget. weight limit would simply be too destruc- man will be one of the youngest members, “Every single American understands that tive to West Virginia’s roadways. but he’ll represent an aging district whose there’s waste in government right now,” he McKinley has said the Transportation constituents made Social Security a cam- says, and government officials “talk about and Infrastructure Committee is a natural paign issue. Democrats accused Duffy of it, but they still do it.” fit for his background, and his state’s coal threatening to privatize the retirement ac- Ribble, an avid motorcyclist, says the interests make the Energy and Commerce counts, but Duffy insists he will protect the committees that interest him most in Committee an attractive post. government program. terms of his district’s needs are Agriculture The state recently lost powerful appro- Since “The Real World,” he married and Transportation and Infrastructure; he priators in both chambers, and McKinley Rachel Campos, whom he met on another also sees the benefits of serving on Budget certainly wouldn’t mind a spot on the plum reality show, “Road Rules: All Stars.” They and Financial Services based on his back- House Appropriations Committee as well. have six children. ground.

2616 CQ WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 8, 2010 | www.cq.com

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