BOISE — After a 25-year absence from politics, Linden Bateman is more conscious of the differences he's forced to adapt to than the similarities he can embrace.
Although he first served in the Idaho House of Representatives in 1977, Bateman is returning to the Legislature as a "freshman lawmaker."
Out of politics since 1986, Bateman, who is 70, decided to make a comeback after a District 33 seat became vacant.
As an incoming freshman, he plans to keep his head down, listen and ask many questions.
"You can't come out too strong as a freshman," Bateman said. "You have to be careful not to ask for the (microphone) too much."
A history buff, Bateman is committed to sponsoring a resolution commemorating Bonneville County's 100th anniversary, but not much else. He likes the concept of a cigarette tax intended to lower smoking rates and raise revenue, but he wants to review details before committing his vote.
Bateman also talked about a desire to shorten the campaign season, but said he doesn't plan to sponsor any significant bills.
"I can tell you one thing," he said. "You won't be sitting here interviewing me about any landmark legislation I've proposed this year."
One thing he will have a chance to do, though, is help shape education policy. Bateman, a longtime teacher and student-teacher supervisor, has a seat on the House Education Committee.
During last year's campaign, Bateman positioned himself as a pro-education candidate. He stressed the need to return funding to schools as the economy rebounds.
When considering any reform bills passing through the House Education Committee, Bateman said, he will support only legislation that promotes student achievement or attracts effective teachers.
"If reform does not attract more quality teachers, it's all sounding brass and tinkling cymbals," Bateman said.
By a remarkable coincidence, Bateman sits in the same seat on the House floor that he occupied in 1977 (there are 70 seats and they are assigned by seniority). But that's where the similarities end.
No one who served with him 34 years ago is in the House today. In fact, Bateman said, at least 43 are dead.
The renovated Capitol building also is very different from the version he first entered in 1977. For one thing, legislators have a suite of offices in which to retreat, instead of using their floor seats as a base.
"The negative part about all this is we don't see each other as much," Bateman said. "In the old days, we'd stay on the floor, at our desks, and have great discussions. I remember staying until 11 o'clock at night discussing the issues."
Though he can compose and return an e-mail, Bateman still prefers writing letters by hand — ideally using a fountain pen.
"I'm overwhelmed today with all the information," Bateman said.