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From the publisher:

In November 1974, following the historic Watergate scandal, Americans went to the polls determined to cleanse American politics. Instead of producing the Republican majority foreshadowed by Richard Nixon’s 1972 landslide, dozens of GOP legislators were swept out of the House, replaced by 76 reforming Democratic freshmen. In The Class of '74, John A. Lawrence examines how these newly elected representatives bucked the status quo in Washington, helping to effectuate unprecedented reforms. Lawrence’s long-standing work in Congress afforded him unique access to former members, staff, House officers, and journalists. Their observations help reshape our understanding of the Class and of a changing Congress through frank, humorous, and insightful opinions.

Today, many observers point to gerrymandering, special-interest money, and a host of other developments to explain the current dysfunction of American politics. In The Class of '74, Lawrence argues that these explanations fail to recognize deep roots of partisanship. To fully understand the highly polarized political environment that now pervades the House and American politics, we must examine the complex politics, including a more open and contentious House, that emerged in the wake of Watergate.

John A. Lawrence worked in the House of Representatives for 38 years, the last eight as chief of staff to Speaker and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. He is currently a visiting professor at the University of California's Washington Center. Lawrence earned his doctorate in American history from the University of California at Berkeley. 

Thursday, April 26, 2018
7:00 PM

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Eagleton Institute of Politics
191 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ