The Freshman Class: Newly Elected Republicans Pledge 'No Compromise' as They Descend on Washington
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Announces Major Reversal
Nov. 15, 2010 -- A pizza man, a lumberjack, a dentist and more -- a new generation of freshmen Tea Party Republican congressmen descended on Washington over the weekend. They won't be sworn in until January, but these new politicians scored a big victory in trying to limit the size and scope of government today.
The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, signaled for the first time that he would support a ban on earmarks, the congressionally directed pet projects that have been equated with wasteful spending.
"I know the good that has come from the projects I have helped support throughout my state," said McConnell, acknowledging his new position on the subject. "I don't apologize for them. But there is simply no doubt that the abuse of this practice has caused Americans to view it as a symbol of the waste and the out-of-control spending that every Republican in Washington is determined to fight."
The refrain for Republicans anticipating their new majority was simple: "No compromises." It was repeated by Republican leaders across Capitol Hill on subjects that ranged from extending tax cuts for people making more than $250,000 to repealing the Health Reform Law that Democrats struggled to pass last March.
"No compromise" is what longtime Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., yelled to cheers at a rally in front of the Capitol building. And it's what congressman-elect Tim Scott, R-S.C., told ABC he would accept as he pursued the ideals that got him elected -- lower taxes and limited government.
The incoming class off freshman Republican senators and representatives -- more than 100 of them between the House and Senate -- who swept to power this month came by plane and train to look for housing and learn the ropes of being members of Congress.
ABC followed some of the new members to Washington. See that report HERE.
Read profiles of their campaigns HERE.
While they don't officially take office until January, their freshmen orientation to Capitol Hill begins this week, even as the Democrats they defeated return to town for must-pass bills such as the one to fund the federal government.
More than a third of them have never served in government, and as establishment Washington tries to determine how life will change, the newest crop of congressmen in a generation resembles a class of college freshmen as they scope out housing and attend lectures and receptions.
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