You don't actually believe that politicians run for Congress

[JFN1]

so that they can "represent" the "people" in their "district" -- do you?

First off, "people" don't pay well - but big business and special interests sure do.

Second, "people" aren't going to get them re-elected - only cash, does that. Most Congressional seats cost upwards of $10 million bucks to win.

Third, it is not a matter of "balls" why politicians neglect to "represent" the "people" who "elected" them -- it is simply a matter of practicality - it is more practical to lie to the "people" than it is to actually stand up against the flow of cash into their office by special interests and big business.

[Lorien]

1. And this is why we need election reform. n/t

[whistle]

2. Congress politicians run for lobby support

[TwilightGardener]

3. Actually, I do believe that most politicians represent their constituencies--

I do believe that it influences their votes and legislation. That's not naivete--it's just a fact that if they consistently go against local or state voters' wishes, they're out. If Ben Nelson suddenly started voting pro-choice/pro-stem-cell, if he suddenly started vocally supporting gay marriage, he'd be out. Nebraskans tend to be socially conservative, even the Dems.

[JFN1]

5. It is possible, but remote

If it were the rule, then the FISA vote would never have happened, Bush and Cheney would have been impeached, and instead of giving out another $162 billion for the war in Iraq, we'd be pulling the last of our troops out now.

I also might add that if it were true, the VA would be a much better organization.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. The Congressional candidate that I'm supporting

actually IS running to represent the people -- a rare thing, I know, but having spent a lot of time with her, I know it's true. She is being opposed in the primary by a well-financed, DCCC-backed candidate, whose motivations may be pure, although I'm not sure, but I'm not losing faith that the "people" will pull this one off.

http://www.bensonforcongress.com/

[elehhhhna]

6. Borrow & spend 10 million bucks for a 164K per year 2-to-4 year gig...

Apparently this exercise gets 'em in shape and primed for borrow&spending REAL big numbers when they get in.

It's a RACKET.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. They don't run for office. They buy it.