Fledgling Congressmen Meet Students

Students met yesterday with several newly elected Congressmen at informal gatherings, hosted by five of the Houses, to discuss topics ranging from President-elect Reagan's selection of cabinet members to the secrets of winning an election.

The Congressmen took time off from their week-long sessions on current political issues at the Institute of Politics to drink sherry and talk politics with undergraduates. The approximately 15 congressmen were some of the 48 freshman representatives attending K-School seminars throughout the week on such issues as energy, Persian Gulf security and the economy.

"I was drawn by the caliber of people who have come to the Institute in the past and the chance to receive a cram course in the issues I'll be dealing with in just a few weeks," Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Or.) said yesterday.

The majority of congressmen attending the Institute are Republicans. "Republicans today are better able to formulate policy that will represent the nation," Rep. John Hiller (R-Ind.) said. He added that if President-elect Reagan has "any luck at all" in economic policies and if the Republicans gain strength in the House, "Republicans could be in control for the next ten, 15 to 20 years."

Congressman Barney Frank '61 (D-Mass.), however, in mentioning recent Reagan appointments said, "Reagan's a bit naive as to who's who and what's what."

Frank also noted a statement of a supporter of the president-elect that "Reagan is not a Reaganite," and added that Reagan appears more moderate now than during the campaign.

"They key to winning lies in the 'Old Socialization Theory,' which means you get your money from the people you run around with, Mervyn Dymally (D-Calif.) said.

Dymally added that he's been involved with elections for 20 years and the only contest he ever lost was one where the public could not rely on a sample ballot. "You do all the work for a little ol' lady, hand her a sample ballot all filled out with a 'Democrat' signed at the bottom, and she goes in and votes."

Although some of the congressmen admit that next year will be a learning experience, Wyden said, "I believe the idea of freshmen congressmen as churchmice is outdated.