At 62, Rich Nugent is that rare breed of politician who is actually happy where he is instead of looking to move up the ladder. Theres a temptation to write Nugent off as a back bencher since he was first elected to Congress in 2010 and isnt the flashiest of congressmen. But a close look shows Nugent has become a quietly effective member of the GOP majority.
Nugent sits on the Rules Committee. Its not the most alluring of assignments but sitting on the committee gives congressmen some clout. The Rules Committee determines what bills come up before the House and shapes the legislative calendar. Only 13 members of the House sit on the committee and, it must be conceded, Florida looms large on it. Four members of the committee -- Nugent, fellow Republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Dan Webster and Democrat Alcee Hastings -- hail from Florida.
Being on the Rules Committee has given Nugent a chance to push some conservative priorities on the House floor. Nugent has led efforts to stop public funding of abortion, to protect the right to carry a firearm, reform federal regulations and add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Its a pretty impressive load for a congressman who is only in the middle of his second term and it comes as something of a surprise. Nugent has not exactly been blowing his own horn despite his often major role in the House. Most of Nugents outreach has drawn attention to his years of service in the military and law enforcement instead of his record in Congress.
Politics doesnt seem to come naturally for Nugent, despite his years of success running and winning elections as Hernando County sheriff. Unlike some of his fellow junior congressmen, Nugent generally lets his record speak for itself instead of playing up his own importance.
Still, there can be a down side to this. When Ginny Brown-Waite suddenly pulled out of running again in 2010, Nugent didnt exactly impress when he took her spot on the campaign trail. Theres still some resentment about Nugents sudden emergence in 2010 and he faces a Republican primary challenger as well as a Libertarian foe in 2014. Despite his lack of polish, Nugent shouldnt have any problems in the upcoming election and he does represent a safe Republican district. Just like he has in Congress, Nugent has proven successful as a candidate even though hes not in the limelight. For example, even as Democrats celebrated success in Florida in 2012, Nugent easily kept his seat, beating his Democratic rival by almost 30 percent.
There are signs Nugent is growing more comfortable in politics. Florida Republicans called on him this week to go after Charlie Crist. Nugent also offered an early endorsement to Republican David Jolly who is running in a special election for Bill Youngs old congressional seat.
If he continues to remain more active supporting Republicans, Florida can expect to hear more from Nugent even if he is not showcasing his role in Congress. With little to worry about in 2014, Nugent is set to remain a conservative workhorse whose influence far exceeds his public profile.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis piece exclusively for Sunshine State News.
