Is the South "Unconnected" in Congress?

By Chris Kromm / April 13, 2005

Inside the Beltway via Political Wire reports on political scientist James Fowler's attempt to determine the "most connected" legislators in the 108th Congress. "Specifically, higher-ranked individuals tend to be much more successful at getting their own amendments passed on the floor."

Southerners don't make a great showing, save one exception:

Top 5 Senators: John McCain R-AZ); Orrin Hatch (R-UT); Jeff Bingaman (D-NM); Charles Grassley (R-IA); Russell Feingold (D-WI).

Top 5 Representatives: James Saxton (R-NJ); Ron Paul (R-TX); Christopher Smith (R-NJ); Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA); Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Rep. Ron Paul? Yes, Ron Paul, one of Congress's fiercest critics of the Iraq war, the Patriot Act and attacks on civil liberties, military torture, and the War on Drugs.

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