They ran on a campaign for legislative change, and they won. But after the first week, most of the large crop of freshman lawmakers are finding the system - at least at first blush - bewildering, if not downright frustrating.
"We'd all be foolish if we didn't admit we're lost and overwhelmed," said Rep. Met Johnson, R-New Harmony. "But we're learning. I've been impressed by the efforts of older lawmakers to help us through the system."New Sen. Leonard Blackham, R-Moroni, called the learning process "mindboggling" but also praised the helpfulness of the veterans. "There is a tremendous amount of detail and procedure to understand, and it takes time," he said.
Twenty-nine of the 75-member House are technically freshmen (two have served before but have been out of office). Eight of the 29-member Senate are freshmen (although two served in the House last year).
The freshman class is so large among House Republicans that GOP leaders there have held several special "classes" to teach the newcomers basic rules and answer the large variety of questions.
Rep. Clark Reber, R-South Jordan, was first elected to the House in 1982. He served four years, left for six years, and now is back again. "My 1982 freshman class was as large as this one, and (leaders) have really helped a lot more this year than back then," he says.
However, Reber said the House doesn't have "a core of experienced (legislators) that we had back then - I don't see a similar core in the House now." In the past there have been a couple of 20-year veterans in the House. The most senior members now - there are three - are 14-year incumbents.
Rep. Shirley Jensen, R-Sandy, was an intern in the 1992 Legislature. Now, as a sitting member, she finds people are treating her much differently - and better. "It was a real advantage being an intern last year. The difference? I'm working three times harder. I can't believe all the material you have to read through - studies, task force reports, bills. But it is fantastic."
Rep. Mary Carlson, D-Salt Lake, agrees. "The most frustrating thing is I want to know more than I can possibly learn in one week, and I want to read everything they send me, and I can't do it."
For many, being a freshman means not knowing when to speak up and when to shut up. "I did not come up here to be quiet," said Rep. Sara Eubank, D-Salt Lake, "but I also don't want to be a thorn in the side."
Freshman Rep. Pete Suazo, D-Salt Lake, puts into words what many freshmen are thinking: "I have to admit I'm a little intimidated on the floor (of the House). The veterans know the (parliamentary) rules, know how to get things greased. I decided long ago that I'd come up here and sit on my hands for a while, watch and learn. I do feel comfortable in (the Democratic House) caucus. I'm going to introduce my first bill soon. We're all getting there."
One freshman Democrat is a bit peeved at the arrogance and posturing of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "I've decided if there is anyplace you want to demonstrate just how big your ego is and at the same time show your stupidity, it's in the Legislature," he said, asking that his name not be used.
Leadership has been duly impressed by the freshmen lawmakers as well. Senate President Arnold Christensen, R-Sandy, noted the legislative process is slower this year "but what you expect" with new faces "who are still feeling their way along."
Speaker of the House Rob Bishop, R-Brigham City, says most are fitting nicely into the existing system. "They are not hellfire-and-damnation-rabble-rousers," he said. "They are working with the system, and there's not a lemon in the bunch."
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
First impressions
"You'll never starve to death up here." Rep. Mary Carlson, D-Salt Lake, on the free lunches provided lawmakers by lobbyists.
"The worst part? Wearing a coat and tie. Seriously." Rep. Met Johnson, R-New Harmony, on the decorum unofficially required of lawmakers.