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Congressional Incumbency

Thomas Cook. Congressional Incumbency. Thesis.

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Congressional Incumbency

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  1. Thomas Cook Congressional Incumbency

  2. Thesis • The overwhelming election of incumbents is detrimental to the democratic society that we live in because there is an absence of new ideas in Congress, congressmen no longer serve for the people, and there is a distinct disadvantage to any challenger.

  3. Incumbent Statistics • Typically 39 “open” seats • From 1992 to 2006 House reelection rate was 95.17% • In the same years the Senate reelection rate was 86.98% • 2006 signaled a great shift because 27 Republicans lost their seats in Congress mainly because of the Iraqi War

  4. Defeating an Incumbent • Even with all these significant advantages incumbents are not completely immune from defeat. Some ways that they lose are: • Redistricting placing 2 incumbents in the same district • Scandals • Outspoken on controversial issues • Voting record on controversial issues

  5. Designing the Districts • Every 10 years the US Census comes out, so redistricting and reapportionment occurs • Many state legislators will design districts that will suit their political party • However, in Missouri the Republicans used to meet with the Democrats to draw the districts that will actually favor each other and keep incumbents in the house

  6. The Campaign for Primary Accountability • The Campaign for Primary Accountability is a relatively small super PAC • Their goal is to unseat incumbents • Although they only have 14 small donors their impact is tremendous • Removed a long time Republican Representative in Ohio • Now attempting to get rid of an Alabama Representative named Thomas Bachus due to some scandals

  7. People’s argument for term limits • Ignite a fire under Congressmen to take action and keep their promises • In provide new congressmen with new ideas • The authors of the Constitution intended Congress to serve the people, but now members of Congress only seek self advancement

  8. People’s argument against term limits • “Asking a congressperson to limit terms is like asking a professor to give up his tenure • It is difficult to grasp the intricate issues the government faces, so with new inexperienced members always coming in it would be difficult to teach them • Term limits are anti democratic

  9. Unsuccessful Proposals • 12 year term limits as seen by Colorado, South Dakota, and Utah • Televised debates for Congressional races as well • Free air time/commercial time for Congressional campaigns • Limits on pork barrel legislation

  10. My Conclusion Congressional terms should be limited because with our nation in the state that it is now, we are in desperate need of new ideas. By limiting terms the congressmen will be compelled to go to work and actually accomplish things in Washington. Other reforms should also be made to reduce the incumbent advantage because incumbents can raise exponentially more money than challengers can.

  11. Bibliography • Lichtman, Allan J. “The Keys to Election 2004.” Social Education Vol. 68 No. 1. January 2004: 9-12. SIRS Issues Researcher. • “Low-Profile Super PAC Targets Powerful Incumbents.” Morning Edition. National Public Radio, 2012. Gale. • Montgomery, Peter. “Should Congressional Terms be Limited?”. Common Cause July 1990: 31-33. SIRS Issues Researcher. • Raasch, Chuck. “More Incumbents Losing, but That Doesn’t Make a Trend.” Garnett News Service. 21 August 2002: n.p. SIRS Knowledge Researcher. • Renka, Russell D. “The Incumbency Advantage in the U.S. Congress.” The Myth of Polarized America 5 April 2010: n.p. Web. 30 May 2012. • Russell, Gail. “Congressional Incumbents on shaky ground in ’08.” Christian Science Monitor. 03 March 2008: 2. elibrary. 29 May 2012.

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