On the Scene

Washington, D.C.

SHEILA Burke stands at a phone in her spacious Capitol office, looking down as she listens to an unhappy senator on the other end. The senator went home last night not realizing floor votes are scheduled today, and wants to know why he wasn’t informed. Mrs. Burke apologizes, then explains that a notice went to every office last night outlining today’s schedule. When she sits back down for an interview, she’s still shaking her head. “Told him there would be votes. He left. Now he’s mad there’s votes,” she sighs. “The freshmen are just … an interesting crowd.”

About the Author

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.

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Washington, D.C.

SHEILA Burke stands at a phone in her spacious Capitol office, looking down as she listens to an unhappy senator on the other end. The senator went home last night not realizing floor votes are scheduled today, and wants to know why he wasn’t informed. Mrs. Burke apologizes, then explains that a notice went to every office last night outlining today’s schedule. When she sits back down for an interview, she’s still shaking her head. “Told him there would be votes. He left. Now he’s mad there’s votes,” she sighs. “The freshmen are just … an interesting crowd.”