Thanks for sharing this Sharon! This is the sort of thing I would bring up to my students when it was evident that the prevailing assumption was, "they're all a bunch of rich guys." That assumption was usually expressed following my lesson on the salaries of elected officials. Most students--having a pretty good idea of what their parents' earned--thought those salaries were too high. Then, I went into the details of their expenses. I also noted that many who serve in D.C. are giving up lucrative positions *back home.* I really wanted to stress to the kids that for most elected officials...it was a sacrifice in the quest of PUBLIC SERVICE. Regardless of one's position on the issues, I will hold steadfast my belief that the overwhelming majority of those who are elected to serve are honestly there to SERVE. At the very least, I believe we owe them the benefit of the doubt, until/unless they prove otherwise.
I interned in one of those old Cannon House Building offices and it was teeeeeny tiny. Even with what’s considered a small staff these days, there would be three or four people sharing one smallish room within the office.
Some Members share apartments and houses here in DC, too! I’ve got some fun(ny) stories about a house of Senators and their Senator buddies (including the newly-chosen Majority Leader) who, really, are only slightly cleaner than a typical frat house…
Never did I imagine I would be reading, and giggling, about The Congressional Lottery while drinking a cup of coffee on a Monday morning! Confession: I was never interested in anything about the government before finding you! Thank you for this lighthearted article, all the heavier ones and everything in between. This Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for Sharon McMahon.💛
What a fun post! And I love the old-school idea of them hanging out on the weekends. They should have more bi-partisan social events (like bowling with bi-partisan teams.)
Interesting post! This tradition is kind of like an icebreaker activity for new congress people, and I like that it's a fair chance to get the best office spaces. Thanks for the post!
If I learn something new each day, then It's a good day! Thank you Sharon for this article. I never really thought about any of this process. Fascinating!
So interesting, and I live here and didn’t know these things. My Aunt worked in many congressman’s offices, she was a Washingtonian who switched jobs as her reps lost their elections and would move on to another office. It was fun for me to find my Aunt every two years or sometimes four or more. Roaming the house office buildings was fun. Back before all the security.
Wow! I find it fascinating that so many are willing to sleep in their office.. bet they feel like they are off to college - again. Hoping it keeps some folks humble and thankful.
Interesting post! Love hearing the how things work in DC. Thank you.
Your description of the lottery for pick of your office brought some lightness to my morning.
Thanks for sharing this Sharon! This is the sort of thing I would bring up to my students when it was evident that the prevailing assumption was, "they're all a bunch of rich guys." That assumption was usually expressed following my lesson on the salaries of elected officials. Most students--having a pretty good idea of what their parents' earned--thought those salaries were too high. Then, I went into the details of their expenses. I also noted that many who serve in D.C. are giving up lucrative positions *back home.* I really wanted to stress to the kids that for most elected officials...it was a sacrifice in the quest of PUBLIC SERVICE. Regardless of one's position on the issues, I will hold steadfast my belief that the overwhelming majority of those who are elected to serve are honestly there to SERVE. At the very least, I believe we owe them the benefit of the doubt, until/unless they prove otherwise.
I interned in one of those old Cannon House Building offices and it was teeeeeny tiny. Even with what’s considered a small staff these days, there would be three or four people sharing one smallish room within the office.
Some Members share apartments and houses here in DC, too! I’ve got some fun(ny) stories about a house of Senators and their Senator buddies (including the newly-chosen Majority Leader) who, really, are only slightly cleaner than a typical frat house…
That's funny. I imagined Thune to be a neat-nick. 😀
Never did I imagine I would be reading, and giggling, about The Congressional Lottery while drinking a cup of coffee on a Monday morning! Confession: I was never interested in anything about the government before finding you! Thank you for this lighthearted article, all the heavier ones and everything in between. This Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for Sharon McMahon.💛
What a fun post! And I love the old-school idea of them hanging out on the weekends. They should have more bi-partisan social events (like bowling with bi-partisan teams.)
Interesting post! This tradition is kind of like an icebreaker activity for new congress people, and I like that it's a fair chance to get the best office spaces. Thanks for the post!
Yes, thank you, Sharon! It all sounds so civilized, and so unlike anything I ever hear about our lawmakers.
If I learn something new each day, then It's a good day! Thank you Sharon for this article. I never really thought about any of this process. Fascinating!
So interesting, and I live here and didn’t know these things. My Aunt worked in many congressman’s offices, she was a Washingtonian who switched jobs as her reps lost their elections and would move on to another office. It was fun for me to find my Aunt every two years or sometimes four or more. Roaming the house office buildings was fun. Back before all the security.
I love this insider info!
Wow! I find it fascinating that so many are willing to sleep in their office.. bet they feel like they are off to college - again. Hoping it keeps some folks humble and thankful.
This is so interesting! What a fun post. Thanks for sharing!
This was a fun read. Thank you for sharing how things work!