Rep. John Mica Upset Over Insufficienty Cushy Chair

Roundtable Setup Left Some Republicans Feeling Like Squares

By Lois Romano
The Washington Post
Thursday, January 25, 2007; A23



In case you were wondering how the Republicans were adjusting to their new minority status, consider this painful story.

Democratic Rep. Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, the new chairman of the House Transportation Committee, wanted to show members of his panel how bipartisanship and policymaking can work in tandem. So the chairman, along with ranking Republican John Mica (Fla.), organized a roundtable discussion for members last week. And to drive home the point, Oberstar invited back Bud Shuster (R-Pa.), the retired Republican chairman of the committee.

It seemed like a great idea until Mica arrived for the roundtable and discovered that he did not have one of the nice, cushy chairs at the head of the table that were occupied by Oberstar, Shuster and other speakers, including New York financier Felix Rohatyn.

According to sources, none of whom wanted to be anywhere near this story, Mica threw a fit and demanded to know from staff why he didn't have a special chair of his own next to Oberstar and the others.

But before staff could rectify the situation, and as startled members looked on, a furious Mica stormed out of the room and ordered the other Republican members to leave. Among the uncomfortable departees was Shuster's own son and successor, Rep. Bill Shuster.

A source close to Mica acknowledged last night that the congressman was "very upset" because he "wants to be sure members of the minority are treated with the respect."

But after hearing from Oberstar later, the source said, Mica knows the slight was unintentional, and there are no hard feelings.

Note to other Republicans: Bring your slights to us. We'll help you air them.