In January, the Capitol will be home to one of the least-experienced
Congresses in decades, as the chambers will be filled with rookies and
sophomores unbound by the institution’s traditions while having
virtually no experience doing serious legislative work.
Between
the historically large 2010 freshman class, 36 lawmaker retirements in
2012 and the expected election turnover this fall, the new Congress
could have upward of 155 members with less than four years of
experience. And the implications of a youthful Congress are significant:
On the upside, the American voter will get even more fresh blood
infused into the least popular Congress in modern history, bringing new
ideas and vigor to the stodgy Capitol.
But there’s also a significant downside: The new breed — in both parties
— is more partisan, less willing to compromise, not beholden to any
leader, chairmen or customs, all of which can throw a wrench into the
tradition of legislating.
