It’s time again for Take Five, when HOH  talks with a member of Congress about topics relatively unrelated to legislative work.  

This week, Rep. Diana DeGette , D-Colo., tells us about her dream of being a symphony conductor, “Doctor Zhivago” and her talented border collie. Q: What is the first thing you do when you get back to your district? A: OK, you’re going to laugh when I say this, but I get a big hug from my border collie, Charlie. He has learned how to hug. I’m telling you, he does.  

Q: You are in your 10th term in Congress. What has been one of your proudest moments in your career? A: I think probably one of the proudest moments was when I stood next to President [Barack] Obama when he signed the executive order expanding ethical embryonic stem cell research. Because it was really the culmination of many years of hard work by me and others.  

Q: If you weren’t in Congress, what would you want to be doing instead? A: I’d love to be a symphony conductor. … I have a life-long interest in music, but it also has the same qualities you need to be a whip, and you know I’m chief deputy whip.  

Do you play an instrument? I sing, and I play several instruments, but right now I’m singing in my church choir.  

Q: What do you think the biggest difference is between D.C. and your district? A: I can’t look out my window in Rayburn and see beautiful snow-capped mountains.  

Q: Do you have a favorite movie? Why is it your favorite? A: I have several favorite movies, but maybe the all-time favorite movie: “Doctor Zhivago.” It’s all there. Romance, beautiful scenery and starring Omar Sharif.  

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


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