Ms. Boyda goes to Washington

[Updated 6 p.m.]

By Diane Silver

Today's Lawrence Journal-World has a great story profiling Democrat Nancy Boyda's first few days in Congress as the new representative from east-central Kansas.

I know it's early, especially for a newly elected member of Congress, but I like what I see in that story. Boyda seems engaged, energetic, respectful but now overwhelmed by her new situation. I especially like her response to a staffer who told her that someone had just called looking for Jim Ryun, the longtime Republican incumbent Boyda defeated in November.

"Do whatever you need to do to not make that person feel awkward," Boyda instructed.

It's a small thing, acting in kindness, but it says a lot about a person's character.

[update]

Ms Boyda goes to Washington and takes the oath of office to become, officially, Rep. Nancy Boyda.