Yet despite rubbing elbows with famous political lights, Dahlkemper has kept a down-to-earth attitude about the job she stepped into a year ago after defeating seven-term Republican Phil English.

In her journey from Erie to Capitol Hill, she’s also had to take on new challenges, traveling, for instance, to Iraq and Afghanistan to learn firsthand about the wars the U.S. is fighting.

Speaking to the Erie Times-News Editorial Board, Dahlkemper gave herself a B-plus for her first year. She said she became a “more effective” legislator in the second half of the year. That’s to be expected for someone who is a political novice. Whether you agree with her positions or not, she represents the type of politician many say they would like to send to Washington — someone interested in what’s good for the country, not a lifetime career of perks and privilege.

In an interview with David Spett for the Center for American Progress, posted online Tuesday, Dahlkemper explained her views on politics. “When people ask me how I ever thought I could run for Congress without serving on City Council, County Council, state office, whatever, I look at what our forefathers meant for this particular role, and the fact that it is the House of Representatives, and it really, truly is the people’s house. Because I’ve been living a life similar to what everyone else in my district’s been living, I can understand their concerns and be able to take that with me to Washington.”

Still, Dahlkemper understands one reality of politics — it costs too much money to run, and fundraising never ends. Citizens across the political spectrum would likely have more trust in politicians if the influence of big contributors could be minimized.

The role of the federal government is a balancing act, she says. She supports health-care legislation, and as a Blue Dog Democrat, is committed to reducing the federal deficit. She hopes that our region will take advantage of federal aid to community colleges, but knows that not every pet project in a district can be funded. She wants to give President Barack Obama the benefit of making the right call on Afghanistan, but has “doubts” about increasing the U.S. commitment there.

In her first year, Dahlkemper has done her homework. She’s also providing an ongoing lesson about how a citizen can get on-the-job training in governing our country. We think she deserves a better grade than B-plus.