My way of judging the staying power of elected officials is to understand how they have prepared for the job. And, although the legal profession has burgeoned and is multi-faceted, it still doesn’t hurt to have a law degree if you want to make laws. Next to that in importance might be those in helping professions, such as teaching and social work.
My observation of the Rovian method was to find someone who was in business and tied to the community of his future constituents. That’s fine in and of itself, but often Rove’s picks seemed to be more interested in promoting business interests than public interests. His poster boy was Tom DeLay. Shea-Porter, on the other hand, actually holds a Masters in Public Administration.
I was struck by Carol Shea-Porter, because she was involved in social work in Rochester, New Hampshire. When she went to volunteer during the Katrina disaster, she stood out for me. I know a family (doctor and teacher couple) who have clued me in on the conditions of many residents in their city.
Curiously two of the Congressmen come from a background in entertainment. Paul Hodes seemed to be especially good in law and was acquainted with Justice Souter. (Didn’t write down what he did in the arts. Sorry.) And Joe Courtney attended a couple of well-known universities but left to be a musician. Nothing wrong with that.
Bruce Braley and David Loebsack from adjoining districts in the eastern part of Iowa, I had followed during their election. In Iowa City, where I was first was old enough to vote, I was aware of how Republican the state used to be. Only two counties (Polk for Des Moines and Johnson for Iowa City) had a Democratic base in 1944. Loebsack’ degree is in political science (UC Davis).
Patrick Murphy had what the Dems have proudly called a blue-collar background and rose to teaching at West Point. He is a veteran from the Iraq war.
Joe Courtney probably has the most to say about universal health care. He served in the Connecticut legislature and has a law degree from UConn.
Ed Perlmutter is another bellwether success whom I watched in 06. His father has a concrete business where the son worked while getting his law degree. My opinion is that Colorado has changed politics enough he will have little to worry about in 08.
Jerry McNerney is the only Californian. He has a Ph.D. in math and has had a career at Sandia National Labs and later in energy fields, including alternative fuels. This is the man whose son served in Iraq and suggested the dad run for office.
John Hall, whom I already mentioned, and Mike Arcuri represent districts in New York. In Arcuri’s case, he is rooted in generations of families in the Utica area and has a law degree from NYU.
A good group of new blood, mostly young enough to build tenure in the House. It’s good that they be helped.