Possibly the hardest part about covering Congress is getting lawmakers off script. They have teams of staffers around, constantly feeding them “their” policy positions. They also attend weekly caucus meetings, where the leadership lays out the party’s stance and talking points on the week’s agenda.

That’s why retiring lawmakers are great.

Republicans in the House are growing increasingly angry with their leaders, but no members will talk about it on the record (off the record their staffers will, but that does little good for a radio reporter).  read more »