Monday, November 13, 2006

Help Wanted in Congress


MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE WILLING TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY IN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Salary range is $168,500 to $212,000.
A generous office budget is provided.
Generous retirement benefits, up to 80% of base salary.


Your duties will be to represent your state for 6 years as a senator or represent the citizens of your district for 2 years. You may run for reelection at the end of each term.

The citizens who elect you expect you to give their needs and safety the highest priority. If you place the wishes of lobby groups or those who offer large contributions above the voters you might not be re-elected.

You are asked to understand and believe in the constitution of the United States and support its directives and in rare cases update them.

You are expected to hold hearings and pass legislation that will remove the influence of large cash contributions and lobbying pressures on members of congress. You will evaluate the possibility of federal financing of campaigns.
You will hold hearings and find ways to reform the complex federal tax code.

You are expected to speak truthfully to your constituents and not mislead them with statements that benefit you or your campaign at the expense of constituents.

When you approve increases in your retirement above $11,000 per month remember the people who voted for you must exist on $1,000 per month.

You will show respect for the office and conduct yourself in a manner that is of the highest standards.

To apply, register with your local office of the political party you prefer. If you do not receive support from your party, help us to elect members who agree to the above principles and this will force your party to recognize your ideals.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stew,

You forgot to mention the following:

- You’ll need thick skin and a well stocked war chest to win the campaign. According to Reuters, you’ll spend $59 per vote in a Senate race and $35 per vote to get into the House, so if you’re tight on money, better hope on a low voter turn out! Using that math, it cost Senator Bill Nelson $168 million to win in Florida. No wonder there were so many tight elections this year, anything over 51% of the vote was wasted money.

- Unless you’re extremely wealthy, you’ll need to start your fundraising early. I doubt you’ll be able to raise $168 million on you’re own, so you’ll need to pledge allegiance to a party. The cost… well, let’s just say you’re a “made man.” Sure, you’ll be able to vote your mind sometimes (when your credibility with the electorate is at stake).

- Did you say you wanted to maintain your integrity and independence (a.k.a. sleep at night with a clear conscience)? Better consider running for the House of Representatives then. At $35 per vote, that only cost Wisconsin Representative Steven Kagan $5 million to win a House seat. He was especially frugal, only winning 51% of the vote. His annual pay is $165,200; after taxes, ~$107,380.

- What if the campaign goes negative? Let’s face it, not everyone’s as honest as you. Expect lawyer fees to prove your innocence, marital counseling, and plenty of discussions with your kids. And, oh by the way, will they ever completely believe “you’re the honest politician?” Cost: $0 to incalculable.

- Let’s say you “win” a seat in the House. You'll need to maintain two residences, one in your home state and one of them in the D.C. area. Both homes should be worthy of entertaining other politicians and lobbyists. After the recent surge in home prices, the D.C. area home will cost at least $1,000,000 (yep, you’re a cheapskate), or roughly $84,000 per year plus utilities (some of that tax deductible). Remember, you only make $107,380 per year. No wonder politicians write so many rubber checks.

Bottom line Stew, maybe I’m exaggerating things here a bit, but there are many upright civic-minded patriots that would love to serve their country in a leadership capacity, but are turned off by the sleazy side of the job, dirty campaign practices, low pay and lack of appreciation. Sure, I suppose you could say that the ones that do run are true patriots because they know the personal and economic costs and still decide to do it. No argument there, but more honest and mainstream Americans are turned off then unscrupulous and off-center Americans with personal or hidden agendas (regardless of party).

Good luck on generating interest in politics. You’re a good man with great intentions and I hope you succeed.

Anonymous said...

Stew,

You forgot to mention the following:

- You’ll need thick skin and a well stocked war chest to win the campaign. According to Reuters, you’ll spend $59 per vote in a Senate race and $35 per vote to get into the House, so if you’re tight on money, better hope on a low voter turn out! Using that math, it cost Senator Bill Nelson $168 million to win in Florida. No wonder there were so many tight elections this year, anything over 51% of the vote was wasted money.

- Unless you’re extremely wealthy, you’ll need to start your fundraising early. I doubt you’ll be able to raise $168 million on you’re own, so you’ll need to pledge allegiance to a party. The cost… well, let’s just say you’re a “made man.” Sure, you’ll be able to vote your mind sometimes (when your credibility with the electorate is at stake).

- Did you say you wanted to maintain your integrity and independence (a.k.a. sleep at night with a clear conscience)? Better consider running for the House of Representatives then. At $35 per vote, that only cost Wisconsin Representative Steven Kagan $5 million to win a House seat. He was especially frugal, only winning 51% of the vote. His annual pay is $165,200; after taxes, ~$107,380.

- What if the campaign goes negative? Let’s face it, not everyone’s as honest as you. Expect lawyer fees to prove your innocence, marital counseling, and plenty of discussions with your kids. And, oh by the way, will they ever completely believe “you’re the honest politician?” Cost: $0 to incalculable.

- Let’s say you “win” a seat in the House. You'll need to maintain two residences, one in your home state and one of them in the D.C. area. Both homes should be worthy of entertaining other politicians and lobbyists. After the recent surge in home prices, the D.C. area home will cost at least $1,000,000 (yep, you’re a cheapskate), or roughly $84,000 per year plus utilities (some of that tax deductible). Remember, you only make $107,380 per year. No wonder politicians write so many rubber checks.

Bottom line Stew, maybe I’m exaggerating things here a bit, but there are many upright civic-minded patriots that would love to serve their country in a leadership capacity, but are turned off by the sleazy side of the job, dirty campaign practices, low pay and lack of appreciation. Sure, I suppose you could say that the ones that do run are true patriots because they know the personal and economic costs and still decide to do it. No argument there, but more honest and mainstream Americans are turned off then unscrupulous and off-center Americans with personal or hidden agendas (regardless of party).

Good luck on generating interest in politics. You’re a good man with great intentions and I hope you succeed.

Stewart Rusby said...

Anonymous,
You left some good comments and good information about the cost and so on.
You help explain why we need good people to be elected who will change the system
Including the way we finance campaigns.
The founding fathers meant for the well to do to serve as a responsibility to their nation and only selected citizens could vote.
It is now open to everyone and we need to find solutions.
As it is now, the lobbyists influence the government so our influence is minimized.
We will search for a solution.
Thank you.
Stew