The Elections and Congress

Last week's elections saw many ESOP champions return to Congress, with some important exceptions. Some highlights follow:

• Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) overcame tight polls early in the race to win a comfortable victory
• Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and John Thune (R-SD), all co-sponsors of pro-ESOP legislation, all won re-election.
• Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) was narrowly defeated.
• In the House, many pro-ESOP members won re-election, including Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Ron Kind (D-WI), Richard Neal (D-MA), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Tom Reed (R-NY), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Pat Tiberi (R-OH).
• One notable ESOP champion who will not be returning to the House is Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA).