Ellmers going to Washington next week

The final vote count in the 2nd Congressional District remains uncertain, but Republican Renee Ellmers has an invitation to the freshman orientation next week in Washington, staff writer Barb Barrett reports.

At the week-long orientation for new House of Representatives members, Ellmers and the rest of the 2011 class will learn about hiring staff, managing a congressional office budget, how to follow the committee process and the rules of the House floor.

There also are dinners with party leaders, meetings for congressional spouses and an official class photograph, scheduled for Tuesday morning on the U.S. Capitol steps.

Ellmers will be the only potential member from North Carolina attending.

Unofficial results have her slightly ahead of incumbent U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat. Once the vote count becomes official Friday, Etheridge will have the chance to seek a recount if he’s within 1 percent -- which appears likely.

House Administrative Committee spokesman Kyle Anderson said it’s not unusual for new members to attend orientation before it’s even certain they’ve been elected.

The only snag for Ellmers would be next Friday, Nov. 19, during the office lottery. If Ellmers is the certified winner, she gets to draw a number to choose where her office will be. If not, then a House official will draw on her behalf.