You Can't Always Get What You Want
A game for newly elected House members
In a biennial event, newly elected members of the House of Representatives pick out of a historical mahogany container dating back to 1908, where one small button pin out of 73 will determine the order of who gets to call on office space dibs first.
Technically there are 74 members of the upcoming class, but the no-show of Rep.-elect Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) meant he had to default to the last pick. Therefore changing 74 to 73.
But bear in mind, the incoming first-year class isn’t allowed the opportunity to score a space in the House Rayburn building since no vacancies were open this election year. At the young age of 57, the building is relatively new compared to the others. Why drawings like this matter, especially getting the best spot, is all because it’s based on location, location, location.
Suppose a new member previously planned on enjoying the convenience of traveling via the Capitol subway from Rayburn to make it for floor votes or other meetings. In that case, they have to find an alternative method to get around.
But there are trade-offs. Some do want extra space instead of a nicer view out the window. Others may be just willing to accept the condition and try to make the best of it.
The two remaining House office buildings are Cannon and Longworth. While Longworth may be closer to the House, making it somewhat easier to travel for votes or head to the party headquarters to dial for dollars, its ceilings tend to be lower. The second most desired, after Rayburn, is the limestone Cannon building which has been undergoing scaffolding construction.
In past drawings, freshmen representatives-elect would go by alphabetical order, hoping that the random number they pulled out was one of the lucky low ones. Now, these new officials would be chosen randomly to pick a random number.
From a busy week full of orientations, conferences, and social meet-ups, these gave new lawmakers and their staff opportunities to get along and understand the day-to-day operations on the Hill. All the tension and suspense may have been saved for the chance to declare office space occupation.
Rep.-elect Max Miller (R-OH) had a little luck and drew up #1 with exciting applause from the crowd that soon erupted in the room. Despite the praise, Miller expressed that the lowest drawing of the 73 was the least on his mind due to spending a lot of time out of the office.
Rep.-elect Mike Ezell (R-MS) was the next lucky person, a #2, and scored a high five with one of the people in attendance to celebrate the short victory.
But only some were fine and dandy with their results. After Rep.-elect Val Hoyle (D-OR) drew #53, there was an empathetic “aww” from the crowd. In good spirits, David Wilder, Superintendent of the Architect of the Capitol, presiding over the office drawing, said, “You guys know it goes to 73, right? She’s good.”
Rep.-elect Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) ended up selected #71 with a quick remark, “Oh my god, it’s terrible!” Even Rep.-elect Aaron Bean (R-FL) drew #68 and celebrated with high-fives and fist bumps.
But one didn’t have to be an elected House member to walk up to the drawing. Nikki Rapanos, who serves as chief of staff to Rep.-elect Nick LaLota (R-NY) covering for him due to his absence, played tunes from Frank Sinatra, such as “My Way” and “Luck Be a Lady” as she made her way. As luck would have it, she scored a reputable number for her boss at #20.
While some of the new lawmakers are planning on making installments such as carpeting or trying to be more aware of the possible conditions that may make an office unpleasant to work in, such as allergies or mice, everyone has a different vision of how they want to design their offices heading into the 118th Congress.
Rep.-elect Seth Magaziner (D-RI) said it best, “They say the best office is the one you’re in.”