Suburban congressional members moving up

After years of dominance by veteran lawmakers, the suburbs are now represented in Congress by a relatively young bunch. But they do seem to be making a name for themselves on the Hill lately.
First off, U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, a Barrington Democrat who just secured her third term, has been named one of three vice chairs of the New Democratic Coalition, which includes 71 members. The NewDems is a moderate caucus within the party focusing on healthcare, energy and financial services.
The group is expected to have considerable clout given its size and positioning as a bridge between more liberal Democrats and moderate Republicans as President-elect Barack Obama pushes sweeping proposals in the coming years.
Rahm Emanuel, Obama's chief of staff and a Chicago Democratic congressman, is a member.
Bean also was recently featured in a National Journal cover story examining the lawmakers key to Obama's success. The article cited Bean as one of five lawmakers able to help push Obama's economic policies as a centrist trusted by the president.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam is also getting noticed.
The Wheaton Republican who used to spar with Obama on the Senate floor in Springfield was mentioned by Karl Rove in a Newsweek column as one of the House Republicans' "persuasive, compelling members" who should "make our case." Roskam just secured his second term representing the 6th District.