Customer Reviews

Conservative Reformers: The Republican Freshmen and the Lessons of the 104th Congress

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A comprehensive and scholarly treatment of the new majority has been long awaited. To the citizen desiring political knowledge, as well as to the academic, Conservative Reformers provides the most thorough discussion of the freshmen, their political motivations, and the institutional constraints they faced. Additionally, Rae weaves his observations, data, and interviews into a solid theoretical framework that beckons the philosophical. Particularly useful were the initial chapters, which provide an historical overview of the themes addressed throughout. For example, the author demonstrates that public disaffection with Congress is not a new addition to the political landscape in the U.S. Most humorous are the pages addressing the rise of the Republican candidates in the 1980's, as one can only imagine such antics in Congress. Finally, the chapter on the budget impasse was by far the most entertaining and engaging consideration of the topic that I have yet to see. Long after the Republican takeover ceases to be a current event, Conservative Reformers will continue to interest readers due to its analytical and theoretical richness.

Rae's Conservative Reformers does a wonderful job of taking an objective look at the 104th Congress and the Republican Freshmen involved. Not only does Rae look at this one Congress, but at one hundred years of Congress and their decline in power that made a reform group necessary. Rae does an excellent job of analyzing the budget crisis of 1995-1996 and what implications this had among the freshmen in Congress. For anyone interested in politics, this book is a "must read."