10 Southern Baptists sworn in as new U.S. reps.

WASHINGTON — At least 10 Southern Baptists were sworn in for the first time Jan. 5 as members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In addition, two members of Southern Baptist churches were sworn in to start their first terms in the U.S. Senate. Roy Blunt, of Missouri, and John Boozman, of Arkansas, came to the Senate after serving in the House for seven and five terms, respectively.

All are Republicans.

The Southern Baptists new to the House are part of the majority achieved by the GOP in the November election. The Republicans hold a 242–193 advantage in the House to begin the 112th Congress. In the Senate, the Democratic caucus has a 53–47 edge.

The 10 new representatives are Rick Crawford, of Arkansas; Tim Griffin, of Arkansas; Steve Womack, of Arkansas; Steve Southerland, of Florida; Daniel Webster, of Florida; Austin Scott, of Georgia; Alan Nunnelee, of Mississippi; James Lankford, of Oklahoma; Jeff Duncan, of South Carolina; and Bill Flores, of Texas.

In addition, Rep. Tom Graves, a Republican representing the Ninth District of Georgia, is serving his first full term in the House. He won a special election in June 2010 to replace Nathan Deal, who vacated his seat to run for governor. Deal won the gubernatorial race in November and is a member of a Southern Baptist church in Georgia. Also, Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican from New Mexico and Southern Baptist, is returning to the House to represent the Second District after two years away. After serving three House terms, he lost a 2008 race for the Senate.

Blunt, the new senator from Missouri, is a member of First Baptist Church, Branson, Mo. Boozman, of Arkansas, is a member of First Baptist Church, Rogers, Ark.