Are you watching 60 Minutes about the time congress critters MUST spend fund raising?

[napi21]

WOW! I knew they were mandated to fund raise, but I didn't realize that mandate meant 30 hours a week! More time than they spend on the floor of Congress. Several of the senators who were interviewed said that time increased from about 4-5 hrs. a week to this insane 30 hrs. after Citizens United passed.

THAT'S OBSCENE! Just one MORE reason to overturn CU!

[oldandhappy]

1. No wonder nothing gets done.

[underpants]

3. It's a vicious cycle

Not that I'm feeling sorry for them but while they are cranking out these hours their next opponent isn't. No one wants to give money to someone who MIGHT run 2 years from now. The incumbent has a decided advantage.

[oldandhappy]

5. money really is key

Our local Dem club has been working with others to support candidates against Hunter and Issa in CA. We worked 2014 really hard and we are at it again now. Very hard.

[underpants]

2. Read PJ O'Rourke's "Parliament of Whores" this is nothing new

Back when PJ was actually funny he wrote that book. He spent a day with a Congressman and was exhausted at the end of it.

Aside from lobbyists there are the Ladies Garden Clubs, Fraternal organizations, local trades groups, you name it. They could hand you a check when you are back in the district but they want a picture at the Capital or in your office so they come to DC.

John Oliver had an extended piece on it a few weeks ago. There are two rooms where Congressmen go and sit with a headset in a cubicle like they work in a call center.

Senator Al Franken also once said "Look I know I have to ask people for money, which I hate, but for 5 hours straight?!?"

BTW- Obama mentioned this at his last State of the Union. He was discussing fundraising and said something to the effect of "I know you all hate it. You've told me so"

[Brickbat]

4. That's my congressman speaking out against it. He served in Congress in the 70s, left, and we

reelected him a couple terms ago. He was shocked at how much had changed. Go Nolan!

[Archae]

6. Reid Ribble is my Mom's congressman.

He's fed up with the constant fundraising, and is retiring.

Thank you SOOOOOO much, Supreme Court!