April 12, 2010

War Correspondent Takes on a New Battle

HessRollCall profiles Pamela Hess who blazed her own trail to Capitol Hill, though there was little to suggest that her prior career manifestations would lead to Congress. In March, Hess, 42, started as communications director for Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), bringing nearly two decades of experience as a journalist, most recently as an intelligence correspondent for the Associated Press, to the job. 

Hess’ jump into the legislative branch had little to do with the desire for change. Instead, the move embodies words she lives by: “Do what scares you.”

“Journalism is so fun, but when I look back at my résumé, it’s all I’ve ever done,” Hess said. “This was a great opportunity to be able to use what I know in the craft of journalism plus what I know academically from what I’ve covered for 15 years, which is national security and intelligence and war. That all combines in a great way in her office.”

Harman sits on the House Energy and Commerce and Homeland Security committees. Hess had been in the orbit of the Harman office for years by covering intelligence and national security. (RollCall)

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