Mike Thompson has a long commute to work. That’s because he serves as U.S. Representative for California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes a good part of Lake County. That means at work he must wrestle with foreign policy, the war on terror, budget deficits, job growth and other vexing issues. At home, however, the St. Helena native prefers to tend his Lake County vineyards — when not visiting with constituents and local leaders.
1. You have a jacket on. Don’t they have casual Fridays in Congress?
I’m casual. No necktie — and I have khakis. Of course, the reason I have khakis is that I’m going to the fair.
2. So what’s a typical day like in Washington?
My days in Washington are all pretty much the same. I’m at the Capitol at 5 or 5:30 in the morning. I usually start in the gym. I’m in the office by 7 or 7:30 to read the local papers. Of course, my staff figured out that I’m in the office, so they started coming to work earlier, so I spend time with them going over work. I have committee hearings, floor votes, meetings — and in the evening there is preparation for the next day. And there are generally constituents in town. But I’m home by 9 or 10 at night.
3. When do you find time to watch TV?
I don’t do a lot of TV. There’s always something going on. And when I’m home, I have the district. I don’t have time to do everything I want to do.
4. How often do you have those late night votes in the House?
Everything is determined by a rule that generally has a time limit attached. But an open rule bill can have many, many amendments attached. We’ve been there all night on occasion. Usually that’s because of a series of votes.
5. What was it like the first time you spoke on the floor.
I probably should remember the first time. I’m not sure. Some people speak on every issue. I don’t like to speak unless I have something to say. I think if you are always talking, people tend to think ‘oh, it’s him again.’ If you are measured, people tend to listen more.
6. Ever get to be a farmer?
Once in awhile. It’s been hard lately. The other day the stars aligned and I got to prune some trees and fix some holes in the barn. I have a hobby. I restore old vises. One of my vices is vises.
7. Vises? Why?
I don’t know. I like them. There’s a particular kind of vise and when I was looking for one for the shop I was enamored with it. I ended up with more than I need, but it’s fun.
8. So why enter government?
The institution of representative government is very important. It’s what makes our country so much better than others.
9. What do miss about this area when you’re in Washington?
I don’t know that you can narrow it down. It’s the people of this district. We have great people. They care about each other and the community, they work hard. It’s great to come back. It really recharges the batteries. You know, in all five counties of this district, the most busy time of day is after people get off work, when they head to their philanthropy, their volunteer work, their club.
10. You said you were going to the fair. Are you going to eat a lot of fried food?
No, I’m on a good diet. I’ve been watching my weight, watching my diet. Besides, there’s so much good food in this district there’s no reason to eat junk food.
