by It may be time to change the nation’s direction. But right now, the 94 new Congressmen are more concerned with their own direction: how to find the way to their new apartment, how to find their way around the Capitol, and how to get between the two.As freshmen orientation takes place on Capitol Hill, the extra-large class of 2010 – 85 Republicans and 9 Democrats, are learning their way around their new home. These first-timers need to find places to live, hire assistants, learn House protocol, and learn just how to make the improvements to our nation that they’ve led their constituents to expect.But first, the basics, like renting an apartment. In the face of Washington DC’s high rents, this may be a more challenging task then re-writing a national budget law. For now, they are getting help in learning the ropes from numerous congressional committees and old-timers, as well as the capital city’s wide array of lobbyists and foundations. In addition, Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, the second-ranking Republican, mailed each new representative a 144-page guide book. “Hit the Ground Running” will help the newcomers to set up their congressional offices, hire staff, manage the office budget – and learn their way around, on both the literal and figurative levels.
