Capitol newcomers showed no hesitation in getting in the game

Of 100 lawmakers, 33 held their seats for the first time

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 14, 2007 at midnight

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The largest freshman class since statehood set off alarms that the 2007 session might be a little rocky, but instead it finished a record five days early.

Capitol veterans described the new lawmakers as bright and bold.

"The term freshman may be a little misleading because a lot of freshmen bring experience," said House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.

"The joke at the Capitol is it takes the first two years to find the bathroom, but this freshman class - on both sides of the aisle - plunged in."

Nearly one-third, or 33, of the 100 lawmakers were freshmen.

In the Senate, nine of the 35 lawmakers were freshman, although three of the newcomers had served in the House. Of the 65 House members, 24 were rookies.

"Just in terms of numbers, this class will have a significant impact on the legislature for years to come," said Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genesee.

Freshmen made up nearly half the Republican caucus, and the numbers were particularly dramatic in the House, where the 14 GOP frosh outnumbered the 13 GOP veterans.

The newcomers were never shy about voicing their opinions.

"I think there was some real disillusionment among our freshmen about mid-session" because many of their bills were scuttled by the Democrats, said House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker.

"You work so hard to get elected and you have a passion for public policy and you get smacked with the fact that you are in the minority. It takes a while to learn how to maneuver in the environment you're in," May said.

Longtime lobbyist Chris Castilian said he was impressed with the Class of '07-'08, although he wouldn't rate it the top freshman class ever.

"I think the high mark was Russ George's class - well, actually Russ himself," Castilian said, with a laugh.

George, a Rifle Republican who was elected in 1992 and term-limited in 2000, served as speaker of the House. He now is transportation director for Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter.

Capitol observers say they see future legislative leaders - even U.S. senators and governors - in the current freshman class.

"I think term limits have made leaders out of all classes," Romanoff said. "You find freshman taking the lead on important issues."

In an informal survey of lawmakers and lobbyists, Reps. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, and Ellen Roberts, R-Durango - both attorneys - were repeatedly mentioned as freshman standouts in the House.

"Both are smart, detail-oriented and hard-working," said Witwer, who has his own reputation as a strategic wunderkind.

"Both had significant success passing bills this year, and they will be seen as 'go-to' sponsors in future sessions," he said.

In the Senate, top honors went to Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, although he has previous legislative experience, having served in the House and as a congressional aide.

Penry orchestrated the filibuster against a labor union bill that eventually was vetoed, helped forge a compromise on the governor's reorganization of the oil and gas commission, and got his high school math and science standards out of the Senate with bipartisan support.

"Those accomplishments would be remarkable for a majority party member," Witwer said.

"The fact he pulled them off as a 31-year-old member of the minority party is simply amazing."

How it stacks up

SENATE

• 20 Democratic senators; of those, three are freshmen

• 15 Republican senators; of those, six are freshmen, although three previously served in the House

HOUSE

• 39 Democratic representatives; of those, 10 are freshmen

• 26 Republican representatives; of those, 14 are freshman

bartels@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5327

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