Posted on 04/06/2003 8:34:54 AM PDT by jmq
Posted on Sun, Apr. 06, 2003
At Karen McCarthy's congressional office, it's business as usual By DAVID GOLDSTEIN and STEVE KRASKE The Kansas City Star
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Karen McCarthy is absent from view these days since she admitted a problem with alcohol two weeks ago.
But for her office staff in Kansas City and Washington, it's mostly business as usual.
"Someone needs a passport, we help them expedite that," said Phil Scaglia, McCarthy's chief of staff for nearly eight years. "If they're having a problem with a Social Security check or a veteran's claim, we can help the process."
And if constituents call, as they often do, with questions about her votes or her views, "we have a record on that," Scaglia said. "Things continue to operate."
McCarthy's leave lasts until Friday, when Congress begins a two-week spring recess. But Scaglia said that the leave can be extended and that it was "fairly likely" that it would be.
The congresswoman was in a good mood when he spoke to her recently, he said.
McCarthy is not the first lawmaker in the high-pressure world of Capitol Hill to suffer alcohol dependency. Among her numerous cards and letters from well-wishers was a note from a member of Congress who is a recovering alcoholic of 21 years: "I want to welcome you to the fellowship of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) -- the most wonderful people in the world! Like I discovered in 1981, it's a new life that awaits you. Just take it a day at a time."
Another congressman, Rep. Philip Crane, an Illinois Republican who sought treatment for alcoholism in 2000, also wrote a personal note. And a House colleague from California wrote: "You will be welcomed back with open arms. You go girl!"
Her Kansas City office has received about 200 letters and cards and 125 phone calls about her struggles. Some have expressed surprise that the office is open for business.
Supporters also have sent flowers and books. One even sent stress-relief cream.
Her aides said that a few callers had complained, but that most expressed the sentiment reflected in this note from a federal judge:
"I have some idea of the level of stress that you have to deal with in Congress, and I'm confident that a little time away from that would be beneficial to anyone."
While Scaglia did not say that stress caused the problem, he noted: "These are intense positions. You have a tremendous amount of responsibility. A member of Congress represents almost 700,000 folks in Missouri. You're voting on issues that impact people's lives....Add to that their schedules, which are necessitated by these jobs."
Although McCarthy can't attend town meetings or dinners, aides insist that the day-to-day business of Missouri's 5th Congressional District won't be neglected.
Her office, like that of all members, operates even when she's away, which happens to be quite often.
"We're so used to being self-sufficient," said Cindy Van Sickle, her executive assistant in Kansas City.
The Missouri Soybean Association was one of several interest groups that paid a call on McCarthy's Washington office last week to push a legislative agenda.
"We pleaded our case," said Dale Ludwig, the group's executive director. "It's not uncommon to work with staff people in the office like Phil. He's been there long enough. He knows what the issues are."
But what if an issue arises that needs immediate attention, such as influencing a bill being drafted in committee?
"We would set in motion everything we could at the staff level" and let other committee members know where McCarthy stands, Scaglia said.
During her time away, McCarthy has missed votes on the federal budget and a resolution supporting the troops in Iraq. Last week Congress passed a bill raising the government insurance limit to $130,000 for deposits in banks, another measure on Social Security eligibility and a third on compensating health professionals hurt or killed when they administer smallpox vaccinations.
This week's big issue is a measure authorizing nearly $79 billion to pay for the war against Iraq.
Whatever stability can be found in McCarthy's office is due largely to Scaglia, insiders said.
The "absolute rock of her office," is how Henry Rizzo, a longtime Missouri legislator from Kansas City and new Jackson County legislator, described him.
"He's been there and has glued it all together," Rizzo said of Scaglia. "Now is when he really earns his money."
Scaglia, 37, joined McCarthy's staff in late 1995 before she had even served a year. He was executive director of the Labor-Management Council of Kansas City before signing up with McCarthy. He had known her when she was in the Missouri House and had appreciated her support in his unsuccessful bid for a gubernatorial appointment as state director of labor and industrial relations.
He helped out in her first campaign for Congress in 1994. When she called a year later offering the chief of staff position, he jumped.
You could say that Scaglia was marked by politics from birth. He was born on a special election day in August 1965 and bears the name of his father, who represented midtown in the General Assembly for 20 years.
By aiding his father's campaigns, the younger Scaglia learned the art of politics at the ground level. He worked phone banks and polls on election day, did literature drops and campaigned door to door.
But none of that prepared him for the political turmoil he now faces.
"If you have to have somebody stand in the breach while she is away, Phil is a great person to have there," said Claire McCaskill, Missouri's auditor and former Jackson County prosecutor.
The Star's Matt Stearns contributed to this report.
To reach David Goldstein, Washington correspondent, call (202) 383-6105 or send e-mail to dgoldstein@krwashington.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To reach Steve Kraske, political correspondent, call (816) 234-4312 or send e-mail to skraske@kcstar.com.
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