The purpose of this study was to investigate communication similarities and differences between the male and female representatives in the present session of the Michigan House of Representatives, in four aspects of communication behavior: allocation of communication time, floor debate, committee deliberation, and constituent communication. The nine female members of the House (out of 110 members) were matched with nine male members on four variables: political party, district represented, length of service in the legislature, and race. Interviews were conducted with the representatives and with staff members, and observations were made of floor debate and committee meetings. Although most of the communication similarities and differences were explained by the four control variables, especially length of service, some sex-related differences did emerge. The findings indicate that a resocialization process occurs for females in the legislature. In order to function in a male-dominated environment, women adapt to existing communication patterns, and the longer they serve, the more their communication behavior tends to become like that of males. (Author/LL)