Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Pryce's Power Ranking = #32

Despite having a title which puts her # 4 in the Republican House leadership, Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce's ranking, according to Knowlegis, is #32. The Hill has an article about a power ranking poll that was conducted. Here are some excerpts from the article from The Hill:

Knowlegis, a software research firm, yesterday attempted the nearly impossible when it issued its 2005 “Power Rankings” list, using 15 characteristics of power that are based on 283 variables.....

...
In fact, some offices are downright angry about the results.
“By rank alone, my boss is conference chair, No. 4 in leadership,” said Sean Spicer, spokesman for House Republican Conference Chairwoman Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio), who ranked 32nd. “To say somehow she is in the 30s is ridiculous.”

...
To determine the ranking, Knowlegis said, it examined media articles, bills and amendments and collected information on leadership, committee and caucus positions. Knowlegis was also surprised by some of the results. Fitch said he was astonished that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ranked higher in influence than Hastert. Her donations and appearances on television pushed her ranking up, Fitch said.

These rankings were made by a computer. Pryce's staff member appears very upset. However, we should examine what this means: 1. Pryce makes few national news shows appearances. 2. Pryce has a title, but is not well-known across the nation. 3. Pryce has operated in the shadows of DeLay, Hastert, and Boehner, and has not provided visible leadership. 4. Pryce has not provided leadership in sponsoring bills and amendments that are of interest to the public.

In summary, Pryce has a title. Period. Her influence and power are .....not so much.