MAKING A MARK: Gaining influence takes time in U.S. House

James Bessette

06/24/2022

FACE TIME: General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat, attends a recent rally at the Statehouse in support of abortion rights. The winner of the congressional race will have to spend time figuring out the best way to make an impact in Washington, D.C. / COURTESY MAGAZINER FOR CONGRESS

When he arrived at the U.S. Capitol in January 2001 as a newly elected House member, Rep. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., understood that helping Rhode Islanders solve problems was a big part of the job. After a shooting accident in 1980 ended his hopes of becoming a police officer, he slowly climbed the local political…