Dem
47
GOP
53
Do you know what state George Helmy represents in the U.S. Senate? Assuming you are not from that state, or maybe one of its neighbors, the odds are pretty good you don't. If so, you're to be forgiven. Heck, we've only mentioned him one time this year.
The state that Helmy represents is... New Jersey. See, he is the guy that Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) selected to replace Bob Menendez once it was official that Menendez is a crook. Because it's not uncommon for senators to die, or quit a little early, or... get convicted of felony-level crimes, there have been more than two dozen members who, like Helmy, served for 90 days or less. Normally, they take in the scenery, and make sure to get themselves some business cards, matchbooks, and pens engraved with their name and the U.S. Senate logo, that they can hand out as souvenirs for the rest of their days. They might also make sure to get their fill of U.S. Senate bean soup. Few of them actually try to do the job, though.
As you can probably guess, the "enjoy the ride" approach is not the one Helmy chose. He got a few months with some meaningful amount of power, and he was determined to use it. So, he has done a bunch of networking, including some reaching across the aisle. This has resulted in his sponsoring or co-sponsoring 30 pieces of legislation, most notably a bill that endeavors to protect children from the worst elements of social media. He also gave a well-received speech on the situation in Gaza. And he opened up three local offices back in New Jersey, and has been doing constituent services, something Menendez had largely lost interest in.
Helmy's time in office is almost up; he's expected to resign early, so that Sen.-elect Andy Kim (D-NJ) can get a leg up, seniority-wise. Still, it's an excellent example of carpe diem—seize the day. Helmy got his opportunity, and he made the very most of it. Plus, he's only 45, and he's gotten great reviews, so who knows, he might be back in Washington in his own right one of these days. (Z)