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House welcomes its incoming frosh

Representatives-elect pose for class picture, attend orientation sessions


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AllPolitics' Election '98 special

House of Representatives


WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, November 12) -- The 40 incoming freshmen members of the U.S. House, who were elected during last week's midterm election, arrived in town Friday for its formal introduction to Congress.

The Class of 1998 posed for its official picture on the Capitol steps in the morning before a day of closed-door orientation sessions that ranged from a general introduction to politics to logistical issue like the House bell system, how to vote and the layout of the sprawling Capitol Hill complex.

Among the key figures who spoke to the newcomers were outgoing House Speaker Newt Gingrich and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt. On his way to an orientation session, Gingrich confirmed to a reporter that he would serve out the end of his term.

The group also met with Gingrich's all-but-certain replacement, Rep. Bob Livingston (R-Louisiana), Thursday night.

Following a morning of bipartisan sessions, the freshmen split up for party-run programs. The incoming group is made up of 17 Republicans and 23 Democrats, reflecting the six-seat gain Democrats made during the election.

Among the new faces are five women Democrats and one Republican woman. There are also three new Hispanic members and one Asian, all male.

The newest members will be sworn in when 106th Congress first convenes on January 6.

The make-up of the House will then be 223 Republicans, 211 Democrats and 1 Independent. Republicans held an 11-vote margin in the 105th Congress, and GOP leaders had been hoping to add up to 40 seats in the November 3 election.

As the frosh attend their governing 101 sessions, there is still uncertainty over the House leadership after Republicans were disappointed by the election results.

Gingrich, who was easily re-elected to an 11th term, stunned the political world last week when he announced that he would both step down as speaker and give up his congressional seat.

One freshman member of the 106th Congress has yet to be elected as a result of Gingrich's decision. Georgia's governor is expected to soon schedule a special election soon to replace its veteran representative. The race will probably be held early next year.

Other Republican leadership positions are in still in play as House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) and Republican Conference Chairman John Boehner (R-Ohio) are both being challenged by House colleagues.

Senate freshman will have their orientation on November 30.


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Friday, November 13, 1998



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