You may have heard on the news a lot of discussion of the current "lame duck" session of Congress. Ever wonder where that term came from or what it means? The Oxford English Dictionary (available to CU subscribers), defines a lame duck as "U.S. Politics, an office-holder who is not, or cannot be, re-elected; spec. (before 1933), a defeated member in the short session of Congress after a November election." Want to read early mentions of it? Check out the Congressional Globe, page 307 for the January 17th, 1863. Rep. Powell uses it in reference to failed politicians becoming judges, stating "could it be justly obnoxious to the charge of being a receptacle of "lame ducks" or broken down politicians."
Want to see what our elected lame ducks are up to? Check out the Senate web site on the side bar or the House floor activity.
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