The Nation: A Cast of Characters for the 93rd Congress

OVER the next two years, the leaders of the 93rd Congress face not only the usual legislative tasks but also the enormous job of revitalizing the Congress itself. The effort will enlist a wide variety of newcomers and veterans. Among those who will play the principal roles in that effort:

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MIKE MANSFIELD, 69, has bossed the Senate since Lyndon Johnson shifted to the Executive Branch in 1961 but his style is far less forceful and flamboyant. A quiet studious Montanan, he has a deep and abiding respect for the individual rights and prerogatives of each Senator that is both his main strength and his mam weakness. Says one colleague: "Mansfield tries to lead within the confines and strictures of this goddam institution, but we need stronger leadership." His Republican counterpart, Minority Leader Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania, has been similarly criticized. A pipe-puffing moderate, Scott can grandstand if necessary but prefers low-key methods. He and Mansfield are good friends and work well together, despite certain differences on the Administration and the Viet Nam War. Mansfield, a harsh critic of the Nixon Administration and an outspoken foe of the Viet Nam War, now seems intent on restoring Congress's position vis-a-vis the Executive. He insists that reform is inescapable. Criticized for his methods, Mansfield once replied: "I am what I am, and no title, political face lifter or image maker can alter it."

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE CARL ALBERT, 64, more than any other single Congressman will bear blame or credit for the 93rd Congress's record. Great things were expected of the Oklahoma Democrat when he was first elected Speaker two years ago. He proved to be something of a disappointment. Serious, short a graduate of both the elementary school of Bug Tussle Okla and Oxford, he is one of the brainiest men in Congress but seemed to shrink from the head knocking a strong House leader must perform. Now he promises new toughness; he intends to demand total loyalty from Democrats on the Rules Committee, and he is showing signs of stiffening on the Viet Nam War issue. If Congress is to change, Albert must lead.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER GERALD FORD, 59, a Nixon loyalist, faces the difficult task of pushing the President's legislative programs through the House in the face of Democratic voting superiority. A major clash will come early over Viet Nam; Ford's task is to hold Republicans in line behind Nixon's policy and to woo Democratic support as well. A Congressman who has represented Michigan since 1948, ex-Football Star Ford is known for his willingness to seek consensus rather than discord as well as for his feelings that Republicans must offer solutions of their own rather than simply blind opposition to Democratic initiatives.