By Laurel Bennett, Features Editor
As part of the Eisenhower Institute’s Democracy Week events, former members of Congress John Yarmuth and Bob Goodlatte visited Gettysburg College through the Congress to Campus Program.
Yarmuth is a Democrat from Louisville, Kentucky. He served as the U.S. representative of Kentucky’s 3rd congressional district from 2007 until his retirement this past year. In total, he served eight terms and was involved with bills such as Medicare.
Goodlatte was the U.S. representative of Virginia’s 6th congressional district from 1993 to 2019. As a Republican, he also previously served as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee and as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. During his time in office, several important political events occurred, such as President Richard Nixon’s resignation and later the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.
Both former Congressmen discussed their journeys to Congress.
“There is not a traditional path or stepping stone to Congress. I went to Yale University and majored in American Studies which gave me a background in politics and journalism,” Yarmuth said. “In 2006, I was nearly retired, and this is when I ran for the primary.”
Ultimately, Yarmuth won the Democratic primary after beating the incumbent and went on to win the entire race. He maintained his seat until his eventual retirement.
Goodlatte also had a unique path toward Congress.
“I attended Washington and Lee Law School with my wife, and I focused on my law office for thirteen years,” Goodlatte said.
After getting word that his Democratic predecessor was retiring, Goodlatte decided to pursue the Republican nomination. In total, he was re-elected to his seat in the House of Representatives ten times.
Congressman Yarmuth (Left) with Congressman Goodlatte (Right). (Photo Brigid Goss/The Eisenhower Institute)
Congress to Campus is a bipartisan program that brings former members of Congress to college campuses across the country. Yarmouth and Goodlatte visited Gettysburg College for three days to speak with students and faculty members.
“In the past, I have been to schools such as the University of Illinois and Kent State through this program. At Gettysburg, we have focused on several class visits to speak with students and also did a forum with professors,” Goodlatte explained.
This visit is a central component of Eisenhower Institute’s Democracy Week, and in their discussions and forums, both Yarmuth and Goodlatte emphasized the importance of maintaining democracy in the United States.
“When considering Democracy Week, it is interesting to think about the history of the town of Gettysburg,” Yarmuth said. “With an upcoming presidential election in the country, it is important to consider the importance of democracy as it is under attack.”
Goodlatte echoed similar sentiments on the importance of democracy.
“In a very partisan society, people need to have civil conversations. Finding common ground is important, and you could change someone’s mind or even learn something from them,” Goodlatte said.
