After Capitol Hill — Utah's 10 former members of Congress remember their service fondly

As with every election year, political opponents are trying to force Utah's members of Congress into unwanted retirement. And sure enough, someday, if not this year, all of them will face life after Congress.

style="border:1px solid #999999;"> Profiles Rep. David S. King Rep. Dan Marriott Rep. Howard Nielson Sen. Jake Garn Rep. Dave Monson Rep. Bill Orton Rep. Enid Greene Rep. Karen Shepherd Rep. Jim Hansen Rep. Merrill Cook

Utah's 10 living former members of Congress say such a life is actually great (mostly) — even though many didn't exactly choose it. Four were defeated; two were essentially forced not to run by bad poll showings or scandal; and one lost while attempting election to another office. Just three walked away voluntarily after long service.

But they have found life interesting after Congress. One was an ambassador. Two became broadcasters. One built hotels. One served on a base-closure commission. Two were directors of international banks that help developing countries. Several presided over church missions, and one was an LDS temple president. One helps oversee the space shuttle program. Many sit on corporate boards.

But some struggled, in part because of bad publicity from their time in office.

While most acknowledge that politics is still in their blood, few had much success at it once they left Congress. Only one managed later re-election to the U.S. House, and one was elected to the Utah Legislature.

But four lost races for governor; one lost a race for lieutenant governor; two others lost comeback attempts for Congress (one even lost two such attempts); and one lost a race for Salt Lake County mayor.

Following is a look at the 10 living former Utah members of Congress, what happened to them after they left the U.S. Capitol — and what they think about Congress now that they have had time to reflect upon it.

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