runner up- for loser of the year
Our Winner: A Pistol-Packing Hottie
By Al Kamen
Friday, December 23, 2005; Page A19
And now, the 2005 Loop Lawmaker of the Year: Rep. Jean "Mean Jean" Schmidt (R-Ohio). Schmidt narrowly edged former representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.). Cunningham, who had been seen as a slam-dunk winner. Unfortunately, he was ruled ineligible after having resigned from the House for personal reasons and a bribery indictment.
Schmidt gives herself an "A-minus" for her work these past few months. When asked by the Enquirer if that speech might have been a low point, she said: "I'm not sure I've had any. The first 100 days have been rewarding, challenging, invigorating and exciting."
Her stunning attack on Murtha catapulted her to national fame, three marriage proposals and lots of requests for dates. "It's amazing. . . . They think I'm a hottie," said Schmidt, 54 -- and married.
And in October, Schmidt easily passed a tough firearms class -- written and target shooting -- to get a license to carry a concealed weapon. She used her new Bersa .380 ACP semiautomatic handgun -- a Sweetest Day gift from her husband -- in the test. It's similar to James Bond 's famous Walther PPK.
She says she won't bring it to work here, but she wouldn't tell the Enquirer whether she'll carry it in Ohio. " 'You never know whether Schmidt's carrying or not,' she said with a chuckle."
Truly an A-plus effort.