Been There, Done That: These three house clerks feel a special empathy toward legislators.

AuthorSouth, Holly
PositionWHAT STAFF KNOW - Andrew Ketchings, Carmine Boat, Robert Hunt

Legislative staff are used to working behind the scenes, supporting the work of the legislature. Sometimes they even run for office and serve as elected representatives and senators. Less frequently, they go the other way, from legislator to staffer.

Three former legislators who now serve as principal clerks share what they know--what it's like working from both sides of the rostrum and how their experience as legislators informs their role as house clerks.

Andrew Ketchings, Clerk of the Mississippi House

"I was clueless about what went on behind the scenes."

"I've always been interested in politics and at some point thought I'd run for something," Andrew Ketchings says. After 11 years in banking, he successfully ran for his hometown district, Natchez, and won.

The best part about serving in the Mississippi House, he says, was "being able to feel like I was making a difference." In his two terms, Ketchings succeeded in securing matching funds enabling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to shore up the badly eroded bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Natchez.

Life in the statehouse had its challenges, too. He says he felt "clueless about what went on behind the scenes." And, being from the minority party and one of 16 freshmen in a body of 122 members where everything is based on seniority, he soon realized that he faced "a slow, slow climb" to accomplishing much.

After eight years, he joined former Governor Haley Barbour's staff until House Speaker Philip Gunn asked him to serve as clerk of the House. He was elected by the House members in January 2012. He credits his banking background with helping him manage the House budget, and his years in the Legislature and executive branch with providing him a broad knowledge of state government and familiarity with many legislators and staffers.

His experience as a representative gives him insight into what new members face. "I know how they feel.... They don't know anything, and they don't want to look stupid." Ketchings makes a point of reaching out to them. I like to "touch base, encourage them, be there to answer questions."

He also created an orientation program, crafted after consulting with fellow clerks in other states. "I'm trying to address everything they might be confused about or not know about. It's hard to be new, in the minority party, and not get lost in the shuffle."

He also finds it rewarding to "see everything come together from start to finish: the bills, all the...

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