Influence Alley

Well, we know this much about the incoming House members: Some of them have serious dance moves, others listen to Journey to get pumped up, and at least one of their aides can do a mean cartwheel.

Incoming freshmen huddled in the Rayburn Office Building to pick their new offices today by lottery—good luck rituals encouraged.

"Superstitious gyrations and any kind of good luck charms that you might have … increases your chances of picking a low number," House office buildings superintendent William Weidemeyer said.

The representatives-elect did not disappoint.

Democrat Julia Brownley of California was the first lawmaker to "shimmy," as she walked up to the wooden box to pick her number. She drew No. 1. Her colleagues cheered and hollered.

"I have a feeling it's gonna get wild," Weidemeyer said.

Brownley said after her drawing that she wants an office in the Cannon Building "just because of its historical features," but hadn't picked one yet.

Superstitious powers didn't exactly work in every case, though.

Democrat Eric Swalwell of California played Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and then drew No. 61.

Performance acts seemed to fair better.

Allison Jaslow, an aide picking for Democrat Cheri Bustos of Illinois executed a perfect cartwheel and then drew No. 10. More cheers from the lawmakers. 

Republican Doug LaMalfa of California did a moonwalk-esque dance, then switched to the Robot when he picked his number and handed it behind his back to Weidemeyer. No. 34.

The worst luck in the room belonged to Steve Daines, who drew No. 70, the last pick.