For six months, Democratic state Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk was “an assemblywoman without an assembly.”

She was the winner in a June special election that took place just days after the end of the 2004 legislative session. That meant serving her constituents in Camden’s House District 52 without actually spending any time in the House.

That’s about to change. Funderburk — re-elected in November to a full term — and other legislators will convene Tuesday for the opening of the 2005 session.

She’s gotten a head start over the past six months on learning what’s important to her constituents, she said.

“I found it to be a very positive experience,” she said. “The main reason was because I could concentrate on my district. I wasn’t thrown into having to deal with issues that affect the entire state just yet.”

Funderburk’s election came after then-Rep. Vincent Sheheen won a special Senate race after the death of Donald Holland.

Over the summer, she found many of her constituents’ concerns weren’t the “glamorous” topics people like to talk about in campaigns.

“They’re real issues that real people face,” said Funderburk, who has dealt with everyone from domestic violence victims to young people looking for college scholarships.

“I didn’t know what was going to come my way, and you never do. These were just some of the first issues that came up.”

Former House Speaker Bob Sheheen, who held the District 52 seat for nearly a quarter-century, said though Funderburk has yet to serve a day in office as a legislator, her experience was valuable.

“It probably gave her a head start on every other new member of the House,” he said.

When Funderburk showed up for orientation for freshmen legislators, she already had her office and new phone numbers. She knew where she would be sitting, and she had met many of the folks around the State House.

And, technically, she’s not even considered a freshman.

“Most people go through a certain schedule,” she said. “And I was off schedule.”

But that was fine by the 29-year-old Camden attorney, who said she’s always liked not being part of the crowd.

“It just all worked out,” she said.

She’s looking forward to the upcoming session and the chance to finally help craft state law.

“I’m learning so much every day,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. It’s fascinating.”

Reach Rupon at (803) 771-8622 or krupon@thestate.com.