As part of its 60 year anniversary, Roll Call newspaper is looking back on its coverage over the years. Have a look at how they covered Ron Paul when he was first elected to Congress in 1976:
Paul made waves on Capitol Hill in 1976.
Answer: Rep. Ron Paul.
The article “The Rookies: Newest Members Try Activist Role in House,” talks about Paul’s first impressions of the Hill. Here’s an excerpt:
“Rep. Paul, somewhat cocky and questioning, is the most forceful advocate of the purely philosophical position on government. ‘As far as a total perspective goes, I’m an advocate of limited government,” he says. ‘Less government, with less clout.’ He points to Rep. Phil Crane (R-Ind.) as one of the most able leaders in the Congress – yet a man ‘who is never given the credit he is due.’
“‘Actually, I’m optimistic basically,’ he continues. ‘We have to work very hard. All I’ve found in Congress is divisiveness, and a basic downhill course for America. It’s a course I want to turn around.’
“Rep. Paul clearly doesn’t ‘expect (Members)… to convert to my way of thinking. But if less of them were floating in the sea without a rudder, it would be easier to see which direction we (Americans) were moving.’ He believes the changing attitude of the Membership of Congress is something that cuts across party lines and philosophical lines. ‘The mandate up until now has been for free spending,’ he says. ‘But a lot of the younger guys are against this. Soon things will change. I hope.'”
