http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10627171 Published Tuesday May 5, 2009
House Democrats say Terry 'easy to work with'
BY JOSEPH MORTON
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
WASHINGTON - Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., was named one of the easiest Republicans to work with in a survey of House Democrats conducted by The Hill, a Washington-based newspaper.
The paper reported that it asked more than 100 House members to name those in the opposite party who were the most partisan and those who were the most bipartisan.
Terry made the top 10 list of bipartisan House members and was the only one from the Midlands to be included on either list.
The Omaha congressman's selection might seem a bit puzzling. He's a pretty reliable vote for the GOP; often criticizes Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; and famously came close to fisticuffs with Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., during an argument on the House floor.
Terry said bipartisanship is not just about how a lawmaker votes, but how he treats people. He said he has shown a willingness to sit down with Democrats, focus on policy issues and not make things personal.
"Plus, they like my sense of humor," Terry joked.