Findings

An elevator packed with tired conventioneers was heading up to an MIT mixer--the group drawn more likely by the possibility of cold drinks rather than uncovering new research results--when a gentlemen in a beige jacket struck up a conversation with another. The first man's name? Jerry McNerney, freshly elected California Congressman and Democrat. "You're the one who beat Pombo, right?" asked a press officer from a physics lab. He was speaking of Richard Pombo, long the Republican chair of the House Resources Committee and an enemy of environmental groups, who embraced McNerney during the election. Is McNerney finding that energy issues are resonating in Congress? He's optimistic. "A lot of open minds there," said the former wind engineer. "You want my elevator speech?" he joked as the group finally filed out.