There is power in the Legislature. And some of that power will come from those wielding it for the first time.

"The Legislature is really about big things and big decisions," John Olsrud, director of the Legislative Council, told a group of freshmen legislators Monday.

Olsrud spoke to a small group of new legislators as part of orientation during the three-day organizational session that began Monday. The regular session begins Jan. 4.

Only two senators and nine House members are serving first terms this session.

While no one can teach a politician how to vote, the Legislative Council and veteran lawmakers are there to provide freshmen with resources and advice on what to expect.

"We cannot tell you how to be a good legislator," Olsrud said.

Rep. Bob Martinson, R-Bismarck, who has served since 1972, knows what beginning legislators are going through.

One of the most common pieces of advice given to freshmen legislators is to listen.

"When I first came in as a freshman legislator I didn't talk much," Martinson said. "My advice is to use your ears more than your mouth."

Martinson said that, in some cases, veteran legislators can help freshmen determine if a particular bill is a bad idea or if it is something an interest group is trying to push through that already has been defeated.

Rep. Dawn Charging, R-New Town, said the most common advice she has received is to listen carefully, research issues and learn the rules of order.

"There's always two sides to every issue," Charging said. "There will always be somebody who thinks you are wrong."

Rep. Stacey Horter, R-Grand Forks, said she is trying to learn as much as she can in a short time.

"You want all the information you can so you can make the best decision," Horter said.

Monday's orientation class included a discussion on the basics of government, as well as information on what resources are available to legislators.

Horter, 23, is one of the two youngest legislators. Next week, she will graduate from the University of North Dakota with a degree in secondary education.

Rep. Kari Conrad, D-Minot, also is a freshman legislator.

Conrad, a former Ward County commissioner, said her biggest challenge will be working through the partisanship involved in the process. As a county commissioner, issues were not decided along party lines, Conrad said.

"Sometimes ideas are dismissed because they come from a particular party," Conrad said.

Sen. Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, said at first, it was overwhelming to see his name lit up on the voting board and realize the responsibilities that come with that honor.

"Even today when I see my name up there it's impressive," Stenehjem said.

Sen. Tom Seymour, D-Minot, a freshman legislator in 2003, said experience definitely makes a difference. Seymour said it helps to know more about the process itself, but it also helps just to know how to get around the city.

Sen. Nick Hacker, 22, R-Grand Forks, is the youngest legislator. He serves District 42, as does Horter.

Hacker said he has been spending a lot of time learning from his fellow senators.

"The learning curve seems to get steeper," Hacker said.

Horter said that although she and Hacker are young, they are treated with the same respect as others that are new to the system.

"I think all freshmen legislators feel the same coming in," Horter said.

When asked what he thought about having a senator in his 20s serving in the Republican caucus, Stenehjem said it's not a big deal.

"Twenty-two isn't really that young," Stenehjem said.

(Reach reporter Tom Rafferty at 223-8482 or tom.rafferty@bismarcktribune.com)