Alabama Rep. First Days In Congress

Alabama Washington New Alabama Congressman learning the ropes in Washington.

by Media General News Service

Published: Fri, January 09, 2009 - 5:00 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, January 09, 2009 - 5:04 pm CST

Bright learning the ropes in Washington

BY AMY DOMINELLO
Media General News Service
WASHINGTON – After being sworn-in Tuesday, Rep. Bobby Bright spent the week learning his way around Washington.
But the freshman Democrat is also finding the work he does as the 2nd Congressional District’s new congressman is going to be closely scrutinized.
Republicans pounced on both Bright and Democratic Rep. Parker Griffith, of Huntsville, for one of their first votes – re-electing Rep. Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House over the House Republican leader.
State Rep. Mike Hubbard, the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said in a written statement Tuesday that the two new Democratic congressmen from Alabama have aligned themselves with one of the most liberal members of Congress.
“Bright and Griffith had a chance to show the people of Alabama that they have what it takes to stand on their own, as they repeated ad nauseam during their campaigns, and to truly vote in the best interest of the people of Alabama,” he said.
National Republicans made similar attacks on Bright, Griffith and 49 other House Democrats targeted for defeat in 2010.
Bright, the former mayor of Montgomery, said the vote was a “no-brainer.” Democratic leadership, including Pelosi, helped support his congressional campaign, he said.
But he said his vote for Pelosi as speaker Tuesday did not indicate lock-step support for the Democratic agenda.
“That does not make me have to support anything she proposes,” he said.
Bright defeated his Republican opponent by less than one percentage point and is the first Democrat to hold the seat in 44 years.
Philip Bryan, communications director for the Alabama Republican Party, said Republicans are targeting Bright for defeat in 2010 and watching his congressional votes carefully.
“I know we are going to have a very bright spotlight on him,” Bryan said.
Lewis Lowe, a spokesman for Bright, said the new congressman campaigned as an independent voice and will work closely with members of both parties in Congress.
“After a contentious election in 2008, he hopes that Republicans and Democrats can put politics aside and unite to find solutions that help Americans through these tough economic times,” Lowe said.
Bright was assigned to the Armed Services Committee and said he hopes to snag a seat on the Agriculture Committee. His predecessor, Terry Everett, a Republican who retired after 16 years in Congress, served on those committees.
Both those committees oversee interests important to Alabama. Bright said Pelosi was instrumental in his placement on the Armed Services Committee and hopes she will ensure he is placed on the Agriculture Committee.
In his first week, Bright said his office has been busy contacting 450 constituents by phone and mail who had asked Everett for help. He also signed on as a cosponsor to a bill that prevents members of Congress from getting automatic pay raises.
And, Bright said, he is focused on measures that could help improve the economy.
“It’s a critical time, a serious time, and I’m proud to be here,” he said.

Contact Amy Dominello at 202-662-7671 or adominello@mediageneral.com

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