Bishop hopes to serve in Congress long enough have an impact, just as Hansen did before him. In the long run, he would like to reform the process that drives Congress, which he said is something with which he still has not come to terms.

"I'm very frustrated by the process back there," he said. "People complain about the Legislature, but that process is 100 times better than in Congress."

Also, he wants to find time for one of his other passions — softball. Although most congressional offices have staff teams, Bishop said he is one of few congressmen who actually play on the team, and there are few things as disappointing for him as the nights when work interferes with an evening on the diamond.

"I really get frustrated when they have votes on softball night," he said.

Luckily for him, he can return home on those nights and find comfort on his inflatable furniture, which is the real sign that his congressional career remains, well, pumped up.

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E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com