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Congressman X

Due to the brutally frank and damning nature of his Washington tell-all, Congressman X insisted on anonymity as a precondition for the publication of his 'confessions.' In his own words: "I don't have the desire to soil my legacy, nor do I want to embarrass my family or the congressional colleagues I've worked with through the years."

Many will be appalled by his arrogant attitude, particularly his lack of remorse for deluding and mocking the "apathetic and gullible public" he was elected to serve. His colleagues fare no better. Citing specific examples, he paints an alarming picture of a dysfunctional institution dominated by a coterie of deceitful career politicians who revel in the power they possess and the special-interest money that's lavished upon them.

A Democrat, Congressman X's identity is known only to his editor and confidant, Robert Atkinson, the former chief of staff and press secretary for two Democratic members of Congress. As explained in the Foreward, the book is based on a series of informal conversations Atkinson had with Congressman X over a period of many years.

Atkinson is best known for his highly respected travel newsletter, Hideaway Report, which he wrote under the nom de plume Andrew Harper. He served as Editor-in-Chief for 28 years prior to his retirement in 2007. During that time he was regularly profiled in many leading publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Forbes. He currently resides in Boise, Idaho, where he serves on the Honors College Advisory Board at Boise State University.

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