Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D., Wis.) and Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) do not like to talk to reporters in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
The two freshmen are among those profiled by Politico over the weekend for avoiding reporters in the Capitol, where some senators hold court. Baldwin and Warren's choice evasion techniques? Talking to staffers and running away, respectively:
"I hired a communication director for a reason," Baldwin said, only after trying to evade a reporter twice by talking to a staffer and just before hopping on a subway car to whisk her away from the crowd of media. "It’s just like in signing on to bills, I have legislative staff because I expect them to advise me."
Every senator has their own escape technique. Baldwin often talks to a staffer, frequently turning herself to avoid eye contact with a lurking reporter.
Warren literally runs, sometimes as her staff tries in vain to keep up while she beats a quick path from the subway car to the safe haven of an elevator — where reporters need permission to ride with a member.
This is not the first time Warren's reticence has been noted, despite her prominent appearance at her first Senate Banking Committee hearing. At a luncheon for incoming senators in November, Warren grabbed Baldwin's arm and reportedly said, "Pretend to talk to me … talk, talk, talk," as the two entered the event.
Others who avoid questions in the hallways include Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D., N.D.), Ted Cruz (R., Texas), Al Franken (D., Minn.), and David Vitter (R., La.).