Voters sent five University graduatesVoters sent five University graduatesfrom across the country to theVoters sent five University graduatesfrom across the country to theU.S. House of Representatives. Forget the Republican Revolution of 1994 -- Tuesday's election produced the Penn Revolution of 1996. Five University alumni are heading to Washington in January, after winning seats in Congress this week. Voters in Tennessee's 9th District have elected recent College graduate Harold Ford Jr. to replace his retiring father in the House of Representatives. At 26 years old, Ford becomes the second-youngest politician in Congress. The Democrat graduated from the University with a degree in history in 1992. His campaign this year echoed President Clinton's rhetoric of building a bridge to the 21st century. "I was always criticized because people thought I was too young and that my dad pushed me into the race, but age doesn't hinder ability," Ford said. "I've grown up with a respect for government and this is not only a victory for me, but for young America, for we are the true inheritors of the future." English Professor Herman Beavers taught Ford during his Penn years and welcomed the news of his election. "He's unique, in that he's been groomed all of his life for this moment? He understands politics with a level of intimacy that many people don't," Beavers said. While at Penn, Ford co-founded The Vision, the University's independent black student newspaper. He also received the Spoon Award, the highest honor award given to male seniors active on campus. Ford is the only Penn alumnus who will start his first term in the House in January. But for 1956 Law graduate Joseph McDade, winning elections is old hat. First elected in 1962, the Republican from Scranton, Pa., is the longest-serving congressman from Pennsylvania and the longest-serving member of the House GOP. And several other Penn alumni won reelection Tuesday. Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.) graduated from the University in 1946 and now heads the House International Relations Committee. And Rep. Philip English, another Pennsylvania Republican, also won his race. West Philadelphia's representative in Congress, Democrat Chaka Fattah, easily won reelection Tuesday, sending the graduate of the University's Fels Center of Government back for his second term. But 1977 Wharton graduate Elizabeth Michael's bid did not end so happily. Born a hermaphrodite, she is now a lesbian -- who happens to be of black, Caucasian and American Indian descent, as well as a Messianic Jew who believes Jesus was the messiah. As the Libertarian candidate, she lost her election to Republican James Rogan, a rising star of the California GOP. But she did draw 3.6 percent of the vote. Michael said she would like to help future third party candidates get into office. "The Libertarian campaign on the whole was not run well," Michael said. "We also had low voter turnout in my district." Michael attributes her "firm" comprehension of economics to her studies at the University. A Republican until two years ago, Michael said she believes in the free market and minimal government manipulation of the economy. With the election behind her, Michael said she plans to open a "nationwide political consulting firm" and also is considering work in the entertainment industry.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.