Owens hopes to see first-termers count

WASHINGTON — First-term lawmakers may not have much pull in Congress, but Rep. William L. Owens sees one area where maybe they can make a difference — in changing the partisan tone.

Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, led other first-termers Wednesday in writing to the presidents of the Democratic and Republican freshman classes, asking for an informal meeting of new House members "to discuss ideas and speak freely about issues facing our constituents."

They cited President Obama's recent appearance at the House Republican retreat, in which the president took questions from members of the opposite party.

Other New York lawmakers signing the letter were Reps. Scott Murphy, D-Glens Falls, and Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam.