From Publishers Weekly
In 1988 Peter Hoagland of Omaha, a Democrat, was elected to his first term in the House of Representatives by a narrow margin. He had previously served in the Nebraska legislature and was familiar with the way such bodies operate and with the politician's philosophy of "to get along, go along." As a Capitol Hill freshman he was deferential to those with seniority and cast few votes that might upset the leaders. He was named to the Banking Committee and immediately had to wrestle with the complex S & L bailout, explained thoroughly by Cwiklik, ex-editor for the D.C. bureau of Ottaway News Service. Readers watch Hoagland as he realizes that he cannot vote his conscience on every issue but must "weigh the amount of political capital he could afford to spend." That he succeeded is verified by his landslide reelection. The impression of Congress received here is disturbing, with elected representatives concerned almost exclusively with staying in office. Hoagland, unfortunately, is shown to fit the profile.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Cwiklik's very readable narrative follows the first year (1989) in office of Nebraska Democrat Peter Hoagland and effectively introduces readers to the real world of Congress at work. Like the proverbial fly on the wall, they see all aspects of congressional life from the election campaign, meetings with high-powered lobbyists, and political wheeling and dealing to wrestling with the intricacies of complex legislation and mind-numbing committee meetings. YAs will be left alternately feeling outraged, sympathetic, and astounded at the workings of the legislative process and the politics of the larger governmental system. Cwiklik does an excellent job of providing insight into many of the issues Hoagland must master, especially in regard to the savings and loan crisis. True governmental reform will only occur when citizens can go beyond textbooks and daily newspapers to understand what is happening; this invaluable resource can begin that process.
- Jay Lamb, Thomas Jefferson Sci-Tech, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Jay Lamb, Thomas Jefferson Sci-Tech, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
