Class Of '94 Drops To 10

[nmbluesky]

By Reid Wilson

As GOPers see strong hopes of taking back the majority this year, the number of those who remember the last time the GOP took back the speaker's gavel is dwindling.

A total of 56 GOPers won over Dem-held seats in '94. Now, thanks to defeats, retirements and scandal, the number of survivors from the '94 election will drop below 10 once the 112th Congress is sworn in next Jan.

Just 14 members first elected 16 years ago made it this far. But Reps. John Shadegg (R-AZ) and George Radanovich (R-CA) are retiring; Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) is running for a SEN seat; Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN) wants to be governor; and Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) resigned his office today in the wake of an affair with a staffer.

The class of '94 has had a difficult tenure. Of the 56 new members, 19 eventually lost re-election bids, while several others lost bids for higher office. Scandal plagued Reps. Souder and Bob Ney (R-OH), along with SC Gov. Mark Sanford (R) and Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), both of whom were first elected to the House that year.

But others have thrived. Sens. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Burr (R-NC), Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) all kicked off their Congressional careers in the GOP landslide.

Assuming each member wins re-election in Nov. -- and none of the remaining veterans of the '94 election have serious challenges this year -- there will be only 10 of 56 left in the 112th Congress. That includes Reps. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Doc Hastings (R-WA), Walter Jones (R-NC), Tom Latham (R-IA), Steven LaTourette (R-OH), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Sue Myrick (R-NC), Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Mac Thornberry (R-TX), all of whom are seeking their respective ninth terms.

[Skittles]

1. 10 too many

[WCGreen]

2. They all signed that pledge to leave after 5 terms....