New Congress sworn in

• By GERARD SHIELDS
• Advocate Washington bureau
• Published: Jan 7, 2009 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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WASHINGTON — Kate Cassidy on Tuesday snagged the open bag of red, white and blue M&Ms sitting on the office table of her father, newly sworn U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy.

Coveted chocolate for the 7-year-old girl was just a part of the Washington celebrations for Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, and two other Louisiana Republican congressmen sworn in and swimming against the tide of a recent national election dominated by Democrats.

Democrats watched as 26 of their new members took the oath while five new Republicans, including Cassidy and U.S. Reps. Anh “Joseph” Cao and John Fleming, also joined Congress. That three of the five were from Louisiana has caught the attention of national GOP officials hoping to use the state as an example that Republicanism is alive and well.

“Republicans in Louisiana have established a successful framework for how to run successful campaigns in the midst of a difficult environment,” said Ken Spain, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Republicans are also still crowing about the election of Cao, R-New Orleans. He became the first Vietnamese American ever sworn in to Congress.

With Cao joining Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, an Indian American, the GOP is pointing to the state as a symbol that the party is inclusive.

“What’s interesting about Louisiana is the ethnicity of two Republicans that can serve as a national example,” said Dave Wasserman, who monitors the U.S. House of Representatives for The Cook Political Report. “They would like to point to Louisiana as an example of their openness as a party.”

Cao, who represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, could be found bustling through the House halls on Tuesday headed to his appointments. Before being led away by an aide, Cao, the man who defeated longtime Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of New Orleans, briefly reflected on his job.

“I feel very excited, as can be expected,” said Cao, who fled Vietnam as an 8-year-old three days before the fall of Saigon. “I have a busy schedule.”

Members had tasks, such as picking up voting cards and lapel pins that give them access to the House floor. Cassidy’s morning schedule was detailed to the minute, which is just the way he likes it, he said.

“Isn’t it great?” Cassidy said in his new office. “When you’re a kid thinking of your future, you don’t think of walking down the street bored. You hope to tackle the bank robbers and help some people with their needs.”

While other members’ offices included receptions with food and drink, Fleming’s office had a silent air of seriousness.

Fleming, R-Minden, who succeeds former retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Jim McCrery of Shreveport, said he had a “pre-game” breakfast with aunts and uncles in town for the swearing-in ceremony. But later in the morning, Fleming was alone in his office under a desk lamp going over papers.