Congressman-elect Rodney Davis is not new to Washington, D.C. after serving on the staff of Rep. John Shimkus. (WJBC Photo)

By Hanna Gutman

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Illinois is sending six new members to Congress, and they’re in Washington this week for freshman orientation.

Some are newer than others to Washington: U.S. Rep-elect Bill Foster (D-Naperville) served in Congress before, lost his election in 2010 and is now back. Rep.-elect Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) served 16 years as a staffer for Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville). Rep.-elect Tammy Duckworth (D-Hoffman Estates) has no congressional experience, but she has served in Washington in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Also new are Rep.-elect Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline), who served on the East Moline City Council; Rep.-elect Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield), a businessman; and Rep.-elect William L. Enyart (D-Belleville), the former adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. The latter two have no prior political experience.

They all have one thing in common: They believe they were sent to Congress by voters who want to see action, even if it requires compromise. Foster, for one, said Friday he’s allied with a number of pro-business Democrats and willing-to-bend Republicans who can provide the votes needed to pass legislation.

Inauguration Day for members of Congress is Jan. 3, 2013.