Editor’s note: Rutherford answered these questions before he was admitted to the hospital Jan. 11 after an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
Talk about what the first several days in Washington, D.C., have been like, including the pace, what you had to get done before your official start and casting your first vote.
Two weeks of orientation in D.C. helped tremendously.
Setting up a D.C. office and district office has been very time consuming, with hiring personnel and looking for office space. My time as sheriff certainly helped with both of those challenges.
The days are long and filled with a variety of issues, but again my time as sheriff prepared me well for the long hours and multiple decisions which have to be made simultaneously.
Who did you invite to attend your swearing-in ceremony and why? Did you have a personal gathering, as well?
I had a large cadre of friends who made the trip up for my swearing in. I was humbled by the turnout (about 90). We enjoyed a great meal at the Capitol Hill Club and a tour of the House floor later that night.
Describe your emotions and thoughts during the swearing-in ceremony.
I had three of my granddaughters hold the Bible as I took the oath. It was very humbling, yet inspirational, for me to consider the historical nature of the moment and the incredible weight of the obligation to represent the people of Northeast Florida. I can’t express my gratitude to the people of Northeast Florida for giving me this opportunity to serve God and country once more.
What are some of the personal items you took with you to keep in your D.C. office and why are they important to have with you?
The Bible from my police vehicle; I had it to take the oath of office. My St. Michael statue to remind me of the battle and several family photographs to remind me why I need to work hard and get it right.
What are the keys for you, as a freshman representative, to be successful?
The same as sheriff, surround yourself with good people, listen to them and the citizens you serve. To steal a quote, “trust in God and do good.”
You and Rep. Al Lawson both represent parts of Duval County. What is your relationship with him and how will you work together on issues important to the area?
I am proud to call him friend and colleague. We have been together several times since our swearing in and we look forward to working together for the benefit of citizens, our state and our country.
I’ve also spent a lot of time with my good friends from Orlando, the Demings. (Val Demings was elected to represent the 10th district.)
I think our freshman class is going to work together in a very bipartisan way.
What is the relationship among the Florida delegation? How will the group keep partisan politics out of doing what’s best for the state?
The best way to work in a bipartisan fashion is to develop relationships.
I think the FLA CODEL is doing a good job at looking for ways to come together and not push each other apart. The freshman class has really made bipartisanship a priority of the members.
A Scripps Howard Foundation analysis found that in the 113th Congress, only 2.6 percent of bills introduced by new lawmakers became laws and 84 percent received no action beyond being referred to a committee. What bills do you plan to introduce and how will you work to gain support for them?
It’s designed to be tough to pass a law. Yet, I was proud to co-sponsor and vote for passage of the Reins Act, which I campaigned on very hard. It’s now in the Senate and I’m confident it will be well-received.
We need Congress making those regulatory decisions so the public can hold us accountable.
Not all important votes involve law but many times process, which can be equally important, like voting against the rule to change the ethics office.
How often will you get back to the district, both to meet with constituents and to see your family?
The legislative calendar is very heavy this year. I’ll be home to see constituents as often as I am able.
But I think we will utilize a lot of tools to create transparency and to keep citizens informed and in touch with me.
You’re from Florida, where winters aren’t really winters, especially compared to D.C. How’s that weather up there so far?
A picture is worth a thousand words! You don’t see this in Florida.