Don Young's - And Lu Young's - Rules

If you're going to be an intern for Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), there are a couple of things you ought to know - he doesn't like facial piercings, don't put your hands in your pockets, and when Young says it's time to go, it's time to go.

Also, Lu Young, the congressman's wife, is kind of a nightmare, so be careful.

This advice comes to us courtesy of Taxpayers for Common Sense, which on Wednesday posted a two-page "survival guide" for interns working in Young's office. Keith Ashdown of TCS said the document came from someone who interviewed with Young's staff for an intern position in 2007. According to Ashdown, the document was given to his source - whom he declined to name - by Mike Anderson, Young's chief of staff.

The document leads off with 15 tips for dealing with Lu Young, who evidently keeps a desk in her husband's office. The key points for handling Mrs. Young are: "Has good days and bad days, try to get people to warn you"; "Don't stand in her way - don't stand anywhere I would suggest. Sit down or hide in the broom cupboard"; "Eat what she tells you to eat"; "Her orders are often disguised as offers, suggestions or invitations, they are not - do them"; "If you don't want Mrs. Young to know about it or involved in something don't talk about it in front of her; she will make herself involved. Be careful what you joke about."

As for Young himself, called "The Boss" in the memo, he "should always be referred to as 'The Congressman' or 'the Chairman'," and like his wife, Young "leaves the room at speed the moment he is done, try to keep up."

Young also may not identify himself when he calls the office, and new or potential interns are warned they will screw up this interaction with Young when he does so. "The Boss: When he calls put him straight through. If whoever he wants in not [here] give it to Mike. If Mike is not here: Sara [Parson's, the office manager]. You will not get this right, there is no way to. He does not introduce himself, should you realize who he is you find another way to get it wrong. Rise above it," the guide states.
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