New Ind. congressional delegation will lack clout

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - A former longtime Indiana congressman says even though the state's delegation to Capitol Hill will be its least experienced in many years, the new members can bring new energy to Washington.

Besides the loss of Republican Richard Lugar after 36 years in the Senate, seven of Indiana's nine House members will be in their first or second terms.

Former Congressman Lee Hamilton tells The Journal Gazette the seniority shortage will mean less clout at first for the Indiana delegation. But Hamilton says Congress needs new people and perspectives as well.

Indiana will have three new Republican House members. Susan Brooks will replace the retiring Dan Burton and Luke Messer follows Gov.-elect Mike Pence. Jackie Walorski won the seat Democrat Joe Donnelly gave up for his successful U.S. Senate campaign.