Six served in the House (Burr, Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Thune and Vitter), which is up from four in the Class of 2002.

ECONOMIST: The New Congress

Bob Inglis (R-S.C.), Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) and McKinney have all returned to the House after career detours.

ECONOMIST: The New Congress

Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.) and Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

FORBES: Union Dues Are A Prohibitively Bad Investment

The debate has transcended the parties and entered the political realm, with Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) taking sides.

FORBES: Boeing Boosts Production of 737s As It Battles The Machinists' Union

This is precisely what occurred when Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) threatened to block Obama administration appointments unless money was provided for a harbor dredging project in his home state.

FORBES: Why Congress Cannot Operate Without The Bribing Power Of Earmarks