David Lightman

McClatchy Newspapers

Covering Congress for local markets involves both a lot of patience and a lot of restraint. And
overcoming an overwhelming feeling that the place is so vast, so different from any state
legislature or city council. But it is manageable.

First, though, here’s what not to do:

1. Don’t get caught up in national nuance. The national story probably will get better play
but avoid it.
2. Don’t start a conversation that you don’t want others to hear. Make sure your source
knows the rules, and know who else in on the line.
3. Don’t be fooled by spin. It could be hard to find a counterpoint in what’s still a clubby
Congress. Look to the nonpartisan policy makers like Brookings, the Urban Institute,
Transportation4America or the Tax Policy Center.
4. Understand the value -- or lack of it -- of press conferences. One can argue the chief
value is simply showing up to demonstrate to lawmakers and their staffs you’re serious.
But they tend to offer very little news, and can waste a lot of your time..

And some things to do:

1. Think way ahead. Congress is usually in Washington 3 1/2 days a week and back home
they’re often hard to find. And they take long breaks. Get the access when you can!
2. Use your Washington staff, if there is one, to stop people at the Capitol. They should
know where they are -- at votes, at hearings, at lunch -- and politely stop them and ask
your question.
3. Know what you’re talking about. Congressional procedure is a maze few seem to
understand. Be ready to be bombarded by insider talk.
4. Keep that psychological distance. They want you to call them Bob or Barbara. Don’t.
They’re senator x or Congressman y.
5. Record everything. These are polished pros and they often speak in nuance and code.
6. Ask for help. Don’t worry about seeming dumb or naive. Most reporters dealing with
Capitol Hill are just as insecure as you are. Ask the gallery staffs. Ask other reporters.

Finding stories:

1. Start with the congressional delegations. Every issue, every lobbyist, runs through them.
Develop sources there. Make it clear you are the authority for all things in your market
area. And you’ll be furious if someone else gets the story first.
2. Get to know the state Washington office. Most states have a DC office, probably in the
Hall of the States at 444 N. Capitol Street.
3. Look for local data. On major topics -- road building, homelessness, tax breaks and so
on -- nonpartisan interest groups keep up to date data on how your market is doing.
4. What do the readers care about?
5. Handling when your lawmaker becomes a national story. Establish yourself on the
expert in your market, notably by getting local and national TV appearances, blanketing
social media and introducing yourself to those outside your market with an interest in
your lawmaker.
6. Be fearless with your lawmakers. You’re going to annoy them. They’re going to stop
speaking to you. Let ‘em. Washington is a very open place; they can’t hide.
7. Look closely at the hearing list. A lot of little-noticed hearings can be valuable to local
interests. While you can’t be there, C-Span often provides them for big hearings. Or see
if your organization subscribes to the CQ Transcript service.
8. Read the insider publications. Congressional Quarterly/RollCall, Politico and The Hill do
a very good job of covering Congress for insiders. Follow them.