Something that's been eating at me.

[maxiep]

I heard today that Sen. McCain hadn't voted in the Senate since April and Sen. Obama since that time had cast only one vote, on July 9th. I'm sorry, but it makes me sick to my stomach that these people can run for one office while not doing their job. The same goes for Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin.

Come election season, these Congressmen are barely doing their jobs as they're all back home running for office or those that aren't up for election are stumping for other candidates.

The other thing that bothers me is that DC can become like an echo-chamber. I lived there for years and understand the inside-the-beltway mentality first-hand. Things that most people would find outrageous somehow seem reasonable over a steak au poivre and cottage fries at the Capitol Grill. In other words, once you get to Washington, you often forget why you're there in the first place.

Society has now internalized all these fancy gadgets--like video conferencing, the internet, fax machines, etc., etc.--that make location almost irrelevant. The private sector has made great use of this technology, and it's been proven effective over a long period of time.

This background was presented because I'd like to know what you all think of a change I'd like to see in Congress--allowing votes by members who are out of town. Currently, you have to be on the floor to vote; I think that's an anachronism.

In my mind, it would offer all sorts of advantages. First, members would no longer be tied to their DC offices Monday through Thursday, only traveling to their districts on the weekends. This requirement is especially difficult for those who live in far-flung areas. How often do you think the representatives from Alaska or Hawaii get back to their districts?

Second, if they had the option of spending more time in their districts, they would be more susceptible to the pressure of their constituents. If there's a crappy bill being put up and your party is pressuring you to vote for it, they have less pressure on you than a group of constituents waiting in your office lobby.

Third, it would cut down on the brutal travel schedule many of these representatives have, making their family life easier. Don't underestimate the quality of life issue that keeps many good people from running for office.

Anyway, I've blathered on long enough. What do you all think?

 

[julius]

I don't remember who it was who said it (or where I saw it), but I liked the idea that those who run for president (get the nomination) resign their position in the government.

 

[Denny Crane]

It was me. I don't even think they should wait until they get the nomination. As soon as they announce and start raising money, they are in a different line of work.

 

[maxiep]

I don't remember who it was who said it (or where I saw it), but I liked the idea that those who run for president (get the nomination) resign their position in the government.

I actually feel pretty strongly that at the very least, there should be a temporary appointee by the Governor of each state for the Senate positions of Arizona, Delaware and Illinois. I also think Gov. Palin should temporarily hand over power to her Lt. Governor.

 

[julius]

I actually feel pretty strongly that at the very least, there should be a temporary appointee by the Governor of each state for the Senate positions of Arizona, Delaware and Illinois. I also think Gov. Palin should temporarily hand over power to her Lt. Governor.

I can see once they start running..it might do two things though. It might limit those who are interested but don't want to leave their current position that can be bad..and it might stop those who just want to make a name for themselves good.

They should resign, but are allowed to return to their position. I don't know if they should wait for the next election cycle, or just re-assume it when they are out. Both sides have points.

 

[CelticKing]

It was me. I don't even think they should wait until they get the nomination. As soon as they announce and start raising money, they are in a different line of work.

I agree Denny, they should resign as soon as they know that they're running for the position. The way it's set up now, either McCain or Obama will be back in the senate again, after all the time and money spent on the election, they still have a job to go back too. It's not fair IMO.

 

[e_blazer]

I don't think they should have to resign to run for a higher office, but I do think they should have to take a sabbatical from their current position and salary, with the governor of the state appointing someone of the same party to fill in during their absence.

 

[maxiep]

But what about allowing them to vote remotely? I really think Representatives and Senators would vote the interests of their constituents better if they were able to spend more time in their Districts and States.

 

[Denny Crane]

Representatives spend a significant amount of time home in their districts. They're literally the representatives of the people. The senate is the senate... They're the representatives of the states.