Many are fresh out of college or still in their 20s, but some, including Schnittger — who served as a college volunteer for Boehner in 1990 and was hired in 1994 at the Butler County District Office — have been there since the beginning.
“He’s a unique guy to work for. Inspiring. Down to earth. Humble. Has the values that I grew up with in Ohio and many people in Ohio share. ... This is a person who’s never lost touch with where he came from and never will. It’s just not part of his character.
Boehner’s team has recently moved offices to the traditional office of the speaker, which was vacated by out-going speaker Nancy Pelosi in late December.
More than a dozen offices are located on four floors of an L-shaped wing in the Capitol building.
Boehner’s office features a large window with a direct view of the Washington Monument and the Mall. A balcony is just outside with several tables and chairs.
The first office inside the wing features a portrait of Nicholas Longworth, of Cincinnati, who served as speaker from 1925 to 1931.
Longworth is a role model for Boehner, who identifies with him, spokesman Cory Fritz said, because he believed in open government for the people.
Also on display in the room are touches of home: a Bengal’s helmet, a Red’s cap and a bottle of Montgomery Inn barbeque sauce.
Down the hall is a conference room where Boehner will hold large staff meetings or leadership meetings with fellow congressmen and congresswomen.
Next door is Boehner’s main office, where his writing desk holds a small sign that states, “It CAN be done,” which moved with him from his old office. In the corner is a large chef hat and apron, which he donned while making the staff a Thanksgiving turkey this year.
On the windowsill are photos of his family beside photos of the school football team in which he played linebacker and center along with an elementary school class photo from Sts. Peter and Paul parochial school for the 1957-58 year.
Boehner was “just as tan as ever,” Fritz said of the array of photos.
Despite the changes of offices and Boehner’s changing role in the House, Fritz said his boss is as approachable as ever.
“He’s such a great guy to work for,” he said. “He always says he’s a regular guy with a big job. He’s honestly one of the most down-to-earth people you’ll see in Washington.”
Fritz said Boehner, who has a reputation for surrounding himself with a good team, sees himself as a coach. “He’s really good about setting the direction for the team, but letting each team member make the plays getting done what needs to be done. I like to think everybody on our staff believes in what we’re doing — working for small, more accountable and less costly government, and we want to do everything we can to make that happen.”
Working in the new office is “humbling,” Schnittger said.
“It’s an office with a great deal of history behind it. It’s part of the original part of the capitol that was constructed. In many cases these are offices that some of us have been in many times over the years as members of John’s staff when he was in a role other than speaker.”
Although the new role means more responsibilities and potentially longer hours, he said the staff considers it a fun place to work, and enjoys joking around while working hard.
“The mission has never been simply to be speaker, but to be a good speaker,” Fritz said.
“Boehner’s always made the point that we’re a team. He’s one part of a team. He’s the leader of the team, but everyone has a role and everyone’s role is important.
“Whether you’re answering the phone in the district office or working on the campaign or working in the speaker’s office, everybody has a place. The goal is serving the people of the district and the people of the nation. When you have a mission of that nature, everybody’s job is important.”
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