A Rodeo Announcer, Two Car Dealers and a Pizzeria Owner Walk Into Congress …
Sure, there will be plenty of lawyers and local politicians coming to Congress in January, but thanks to a Republican wave that swept the nation there are going to be a whole bunch of Members with less traditional day jobs.
There’s Bobby Schilling, a father of 10 and owner of St. Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza in Moline, Ill.
Former San Diego Chargers lineman Jon Runyan, elected in New Jersey’s 3rd district, might be interested in a pickup game with former NFL quarterback Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.).
Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), a timber sports competitor and one-time star of MTV’s “Real World: Boston” might get a little more television coverage. He’ll be joining almond farmer Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), hog farmer Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and probable Calif.-20 winner Andy Vidak (R), a cherry orchard owner who has never held political office.
Rep.-elect Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) is a pottery company owner. Robert Dold (R-Ill.) owns a pest control company. Chip Cravaack (R-Minn.), who defeated Rep. James Oberstar (D), is an airline pilot.
Two Republican car dealers were elected Tuesday — Scott Rigell in Virginia’s 2nd district and Mike Kelly in Pennsylvania’s 3rd district.
There’s also a bakery worker, hunting lodge owner, an auction company owner, a rodeo announcer, a pro-hockey referee, an arena football team executive, a religious youth camp director and a health food store owner.
Tucked into today’s print edition of Roll Call is the Guide to the New Congress, a comprehensive look at all the new Members written by CQ Roll Call staffers.
Download a PDF copy of the guide here.