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HOH Name Game: First Names First

It’s time again for the HOH name game, when we provide a little public service with our handy pronunciation guide for members whose names have the potential to trip up those in and around the Capitol. Today’s group is the First Names First Caucus, those members whose first names have a much bigger potential to be mispronounced than their last.  

HA-keem. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
HA-keem. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries , D-N.Y. — HA-keem. His first name is no laughing matter.  

BET-oh
BET-oh (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Rep. Beto O’Rourke , D-Texas — BET-oh. Uh-oh. You better not flub this El Paso-bred first name.  

Like
Like “Shelley” far right, mint-green jacket. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Rep. Chellie Pingree , D-Maine — Like “Shelley.” If you ever eat at one of the congresswoman’s restaurants in Maine, you’re going to shell out some cash.  

Many thanks to Jay Hunter at the CQ Members desk, who supplied valuable intel on proper pronunciation.  

Related: HOH Name Game: Simple, Yet Deceptive HOH Name Game: The Tongue-Twister Caucus HOH Name Game: Don’t Mispronounce These The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.

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