Congressional Voting trends
...tered Representatives who seek reelection. Another part of this is taking on issues of public and national interest, which again directly affect the way a member of Congress’ vote. By taking on a national issue, one may end up disregarding the views of constituents, their district, and perhaps their own conscience. This self-centered tactic in time creates popularity, which in turn produces familiarity of a Representative, which in turn produces votes. Therefore, popularity produces votes. Another contributing factor to the vote of a member of Congress is the influence on Representatives while they are in their home atmospheres. Such “home style” influences are generally attempts to generate a trust. “Legislators do not explain every detail of their policies to the voters; rather, they want voters to trust them enough to allow them ‘voting leeway’ back in Washington.” (P. 158, Fenno) One may ask how getting trust may be associated with voting, but yet again this ties back into the scheme for reelection. The development of trust ultimately allows Representatives to vote according their personal judgment, but not receive any criticism if an acquaintance may disagree. And where there is trust in the place of criticism, reelection is very easily attained. The overall mission of “home style” politicians are to draw “support and legitimacy” (p.159, Fenno) and to be seen in the public eye as one of a “good man,” or a,”good woman.” Another factor that contributes to the voting decisions of members of Congress is by “pork barrel politics.” Pork refers to the spending of government funds on things such as dams, highways, and bridges. When citizens of a district need a certain “pork product” they typically look to their District Representative. The failure to respond to such requests is equivalent to, “political suicide.” (p.184, Starobin) The...