On the field, in the House

When time spirals down in the fourth quarter or the offense is stalling on third and long, the Princeton football team turns to the guidance and strength of its captain. It takes a strong leader to pull through the tough possessions and look past the turnovers.

In the final years of the 1970s, the varsity captain and former freshman team captain Rep. Robert Ehrlich '79 (R-Md.) was that leader.

Ehrlich's scheduling secretary in 315 Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. said the Congressman would be available promptly at 1 p.m. for an interview. When it comes to elected officials, it is important to be punctual. It was already 1:04 on that October afternoon and the tape recorder still wasn't working properly. Then the phone rang, and Ehrlich's secretary said he was busy — the interview would have to begin.

There was a short pause. Then a strong voice came across the phone, "Hi. Do you mind if I put you on speakerphone?"

After a few clicks and beeps, the Congressman continued, "So, what's on your mind?"

There was a relaxed quality to the voice now — as if he were putting his feet up on his desk and leaning back in a comfortable swivel chair. With that, the former captain of the football team turned into an polished, affable politician.

As he started talking, his tone and demeanor seemed far removed from the tension mounting in Washington over the next budget. In recess for lunch, Congress was at an impasse and a partial government shutdown seemed likely.

Ehrlich was also in the middle of his third re-election campaign in Maryland's second Congressional district. Despite the pressure of Washington and the campaign trail, when he reminisced about Princeton and talked about his days on the football field, Ehrlich was in command.

Two weeks ago, he was re-elected to a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives — by a comfortable 38-point margin. He continues to serve as a Deputy Majority Whip and a member of the House Commerce Committee, where he has been a captain of the Republican majority since 1994.

Ehrlich's first political experiences were the discussions he remembers hearing while seated around the dinner table with his family. Though at first he did not participate, he absorbed the information and the passion his family shared. Despite the many influences in Ehrlich's life — such as these dinner table conversations — he remembers his time at Princeton as a period that significantly shaped his future and guided him into the world of law and politics.

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He credits the strength of the University's athletic programs — especially football — for fostering his strong leadership abilities. As a player, he learned how to work with others through complicated plays and cooperation among his teammates. As captain, he was responsible for uniting the team and leading them through the tough moments in a game.

"I was the varsity team captain. I was also freshman team captain," Ehrlich said. "That was very important to me — football was a large influence."

The physical and mental demands of football required him to be a strong leader who could inspire his fellow teammates. Ehrlich developed his ability to facilitate discussions within the team to evaluate plays and prepare for long drives.

His experience was so positive that he returned during the 1980s to the University to serve as an assistant coach on the Princeton football team. Forging close bonds with the athletic administration and fellow football players, Ehrlich said he still keeps in touch with his old coach and teammates.

"I try to come to a game every now and then," Ehrlich said. "It's nice to stay in touch with the people who made an impact on my life."

Athletics was only one part of Ehrlich's experience at Princeton. One of the most important parts of his educational experience was the University's focus on writing skills and independent thought. "I remember there was a real emphasis on writing and developing writing skills," he said. "[I wrote] two JPs in the politics department and a senior thesis. There was a lot of independent work."

With the bureaucracy and demands of Congress, Ehrlich said it is especially important to be able to articulate ideas clearly in writing. From the rigid construction of House resolutions to the lucid and simple style of letters to constituents, writing is a part of daily life on Capitol Hill.

The football team fostered his leadership and the University's academic focus cultivated his intelligence, but Ehrlich said he also found time to enjoy the social scene at Princeton. Saddened that it is now defunct, he said he has many fond memories of Dial Club on Prospect Avenue.

Believing things probably haven't changed too much, Ehrlich explained that most of the clubs were filled by various campus groups. "I'm sure things aren't very different," he said. "I joined Dial with a group of athletes. That's where my friends were."

The unique combination of athletic, academic and social aspects of Princeton's education prepared Ehrlich for his future career. Drawing on his experiences at the University, Ehrlich decided to pursue a law degree. After graduation, he attended Wake Forest University School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1982.

Fresh out of law school, Ehrlich was offered a position as a clerk at the Baltimore law firm Ober, Kaler, Grimes and Shriver. With his strong leadership ability and teamwork skills, he steadily moved his way through the firm, eventually reaching the position Of Counsel.

With his Princeton education and experience in law, Ehrlich ran for and won a seat in the Maryland General Assembly. After spending eight years in the state legislature, Ehrlich decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Though a moderate, the faithful Republican waited to run for the Second District seat in Maryland until the then-incumbent Republican, Helen Bentley, stepped down to run for governor in 1994. In the general election, Ehrlich faced Democrat Gerry Brewster. Ehrlich won comfortably, 63 to 37 percent.

Ehrlich's first re-election attempt came in 1996 when he faced Democrat Connie DeJuliis. He won the contest, 62 to 38 percent. Two years later, Ehrlich won his second re-election campaign against Kenneth Bosley, 69 to 31 percent.

Though Ehrlich admits elections and campaigns may create divisions between candidates and parties, he said the strength of American democracy is in its cooperation.

A political career requires many different skills, he said, adding that the different abilities needed are what makes politics so appealing. "I like the need for cooperation in politics," he said. "The combination of a competitive nature and cooperation."

As a Congressman, Ehrlich said the abilities he acquired as the Princeton football team captain allow him to achieve more in the House. Teamwork and critical evaluation are essential to passing legislation in a partisan environment, he said. To be successful on Capitol Hill, one has to be a strong leader, have clear goals and be willing to compromise.

"To accomplish something, you have to be a realist. I think we've had some policy success," Ehrlich said. "You're one of 435 — everyone wants something different. You have to compromise."

Ehrlich's personal beliefs have shaped his experience in Congress. Though proud to say he is a Republican, he admits that he is very moderate compared to many other congressmen in the Republican majority. "I am a fiscally conservative Republican — I believe in tax cuts," he said. "I'm more of a libertarian with social issues. I want to get the government a little more out of people's private lives."

Representing a traditionally liberal state, Ehrlich's political aspirations are very ambitious. Mentioned by several media outlets as a possible Maryland gubernatorial candidate in 2002 during the Republican National Convention this past summer, Ehrlich has expressed interest in his state's highest office.

If Ehrlich decides to run, a victory would make him the first Republican to hold the Maryland governor's office in more than 20 years. Though his political persuasion is not supported by the state's demographics, Ehrlich believes his moderate stance on issues will help his potential candidacy. The decision to run for governor is not entirely his own, he said, adding that he would like to see more statewide support for moderate Republicans.

"If Bush wins — if he carries Maryland — I would run," Ehrlich said several weeks ago. "It also has to do with the way I feel. It's a personal and professional decision."

Though Bush did not win Maryland — losing by more than 300,000 votes or 17 percentage points — Ehrlich is not likely to rule out any possibilities. "I have to give this some thought," he said before the election.

He said he is not sure where his personal desires will lead him, but he is excited to continue to represent the people in his home district in the House of Representatives.

Though few students will find the exact combination of athletics, academics and social activities that led Ehrlich to the House of Representatives, he said there are different paths for everyone. Whether participating in football or the University orchestra, Ehrlich said it is important to keep one's integrity and learn more about the issues.

Most of all, he said, "Don't be cynical. It seems that too many young people have a cynical view of politics. I've seen, from your generation, some very promising things."