Friday, November 14, 2008
110th Congress Post Mortem
Post-election grave markers cast a pall in hallways of Hill
By Alan Lopatin (former counsel to several House committees)
Blue, gray and orange trash carts, filled to the brim in front of the offices of members who were unexpectedly defeated Nov 4. Trash carts full of the work of staffers who came to their jobs to serve the public and make a difference. Staffers with families to feed, career aspirations, hopes, dreams and friends. Facing change through no fault of their own, and as likely through no fault of their bosses but rather through the fate, the whims, of political fortune.
For the deposed Democrats, its probably not a bad time to be unemployed in a town gearing up for a Democratic administration and new House and Senate Democratic members. But for all of those shaken by the wake of the political tide, it means the end of a Hill family: office friendships never to be reassembled in the same way; water cooler conversations no more; Lets stay in touch never that easy.
A sad commentary on the human side of the Hill. The little communities of Rayburn, Longworth and Cannon denizens. Hallmates who often know no partisan bounds.
Our hearts go out to those who now, after the campaigning, must worry about how to pay the rent, cover the school bills, secure health insurance, buy groceries or fret over moving back home, since so many came from so far to make a difference. We pray they will all land on their feet and know that they most likely will. But the hurt of losing the tight-knit collection of friends and colleagues that makes up that fabric of the families of the House is deeply felt and echoed loudly as the grave markers are collected and rolled away, and the room draw begins.
Washington
Copyright (c) 2009, Ledge Counsel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
