Will you vote to re-elect your member of Congress in Nov.?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
With only five months before the midterm elections - fewer than one in three Americans say they plan to vote for their member of Congress in November.
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A new Washington Post/ABC News poll shows an increasing dislike of elected officials and the anti-incumbent mood at an all-time high. It's about time…
Only 29 percent of those surveyed say they plan to vote for their House representative. That's even lower than in 1994 - when the Democrats were swept out of power. 69 percent say they they're dissatisfied or angry with the government.
Of course Republicans are hoping for big gains; but it might not be that easy. This poll also shows a majority of people have a negative view of the GOP's policies; and only one-third say they trust Republicans over Democrats to handle the country's problems. As for the Tea Party, half of the public has an unfavorable view of them.
Meanwhile voters across the country went to the polls yesterday for the busiest primary day so far this year.
And the results were mixed.
It was a big day for women candidates - in California, Republican primary voters overwhelmingly chose two female business executives. Former Hewlett-Packard head Carly Fiorina will go on to face longtime Senate fixture Democrat Barbara Boxer; and former eBay CEO and billionaire Meg Whitman will run for governor.
In Nevada - the Tea Party-backed candidate, Sharron Angle won the Republican primary and will now challenge Majority Leader Harry Reid in November.
And in Arkansas, Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln managed to hold onto her seat in a tight race... no doubt giving hope to incumbents everywhere.
Here's my question to you: Do you plan to vote to re-elect your member of Congress in November?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
David in New Hampshire writes:
Jack, If you really want to ruffle some feathers, start pushing all states (when they print their election ballots) to highlight the incumbents' names in red and underline them if they've served more than two terms. I truly believe that a good portion of the voting public is clueless when it comes to who their elected officials are!
Al in Lawrence, Kansas writes:
I haven't voted for an incumbent in 20 years, and I'm not about to start now. But I still have faith in the stupidity of the American voter. 90% of our representatives will be re-elected, no matter what the polls say.
Mark in Houston writes:
Jack, I live in Texas. I'm sure you've heard of it, that place where elected officials support a dumbed-down education system, a wannabe sheriff as Governor, wars against clean air and are proud of it all. My answer would be "no."
D.S. in California writes:
Yes. While I'm not that impressed with Barbara Boxer, I'll have to choose between the lesser of two evils. Carly Fiorina may have impressed people in California with her CEO background, but there is a reason why she lost here in Silicon Valley where she is actually known. She got fired by Hewlett Packard for incompetence. None of the tech businesses here will touch her.
Maxine writes:
I am for term limits – PERIOD! All incumbents must go, even the seemingly good ones. That's the only way to get 'real change we can believe in'. So when I vote in November, I will not be voting to re-elect anyone!
Frank in Indiana writes:
I've voted against my representative every election, but in this gerrymandered district, Hitler would be elected if running as a Republican. So nothing new here.
Jerry in Florida writes:
I received an e-mail the other day proposing term limits for Congress. It suggested that elected officials should be held to two terms: one in Congress, one in prison – just as Detroit and Chicago do now.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I will vote for a Ron Paul-style conservative. If none is available, I'll take the day off...
Yes, but not because I feel my representatives are doing a great job. I just feel the pack of self-serving wolves running against them do not have my best interest in mind.
RB in CA
No, I never elect or re-elect. They always disappoint me.
You mean Mr No of Kentucky. Hell no! In case you didn't know that's Mitch
Bob Filner is my Congressman. I won't vote for him nor have I ever voted for him! He needs to go get a job in Felipe Caldrons Cabinet! This guy is a head of veteran’s affairs, but is anti-constitution and pro-socialism all the way! He is the poster boy for bureaucracy and corruption that constipates any real time solutions to the problems facing our Communities and Country!
Absolutely not. Levin and the rest are done representing us in Michigan. They have allowed business's to leave by the droves and allowed nearly a million Muslims to replace those business's, no no and no. The are OUT
Not just no but HELL no ! Harry Reid needs to be put out to pasture. Unfortunately the woman who is going to run against him hasn't the financial backing that Harry does so it doesn't look good. And I think even if she were to beat him......he'll just become a Lobbyist!! Like his son is. It's disgusting what is going on in our country. The people we have sent to Washington to repersent us are ALL working for big businesses. Both parties have taken the 'UNITED' out of the 'United States of America'. NONE of them have been listening to their constituents. Starting with a year wasted on 'Health Care Reform'...time that could have been used to figure out how the American people can get back to work. I'm disgusted with all of them. This country needs TERM LIMITS in the very worst way. Henderson, NV
Currently, it does not matter who we elect. They all have their own private agendas. No matter what they tell us in their campaign promises. All politicians lie. First thing we need to do is BAN lobbyists. We need to lower salaries of our politicians. Make it a true civil service as it was designed to be initially. We need to set term limits. We need to revamp our system to fit our varied needs. Our government is stuck in the ice-ages. Currently we mimic a monarch. We need to ensure all political views have equal representation in our government. Right now. We don't.
We let them battle over stupid things. And they never take their constituents words into thought.
In West Virginia incumbets get reelected easily. Rep Mollahan did not make it this time, but the senators Byrd and Rockyfeller have been on easy street a long time. No I wont vote for any of them again.
Sorry to disappoint you, Jack, but YES I will vote for my rep. He is in the middle of just his second term. We voted out our Long term rep in 2006.
Here in Texas only republicans seem to get elected. Because of George W Bush I will not vote for any republican who enable him to govern the way he did for as long as I breathe. Same goes for like minded republicans in which, I believe, is all of them.
Nobody currently in Washington DC is re-electable. Period.
no they did enough damage
You know that myth about how people do not like politicians in general, but they do like their own representatives ? Well, Randy Neugebauer , John Cornyn, and Rick Perry are mine. No, I will definitely NOT vote for any of them- ever .
Not a problem, Jack. After voting against health care to appease the rednecks, he gave up his seat to run for governor and got his butt kicked by a real Democrat in the primary. Good riddance to him.
Susan
Tuscaloosa AL
Yeah he's decent. GOP up here are Klansmen from way back.
My member of Congress is a Republican and I will not vote for any members of the "Party of NO."
The Republican Party refuses to "reach across the isle" on any of the issues, and will only vote along party lines, and that is what I am going to do when cast my vote.
My Congressman is for E-Verify, against Amnesty or benifits for illegals, too many H1B Visas and also, strongly against any illegal immigration or too much regular immigration. YES, I'll be voting for him!
Not if None-of-the-Above is on the ballot !
Jack: No. I will not vote for my current member of Congress. The Congressman in my Congressional District is only running for the job, because he does not know what else to do with his life. The grapevine tells us he wants to be a federal judge, but he must not have been very popular republican during the Bush years. His Daddy was a judge, and so on, and so on... Plus his voting record his lousy.
Oh Good Heavens, I hope he does NOT get reelected. My Congressman is Steve King, who hangs around with Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin. Michelle Bachmann thinks he is "Outstanding" and she hopes he runs for President. So no, I think my Congressman needs to be replaced.
I'm voting for no incumbents unless they're Libertarians.
I'm voting straight Libertarian.
Jack,
No. Out here on the Hawaii we hear nothing, either in print or on television, as to what our congresswoman from the 2nd district is doing for us or any of the other islands except Oahu. I don't know where she stands on issues. When I email asking for information I receive standard boilerplate that says, Gee, thanks for asking. If you can't tell me how I'm being represented you don't deserve my vote.
I will only vote for non-Dems. If they are Dems, they are totally out, at every level, now and into the future. I will not condone dictatorship, and that is what the Dems have been doing.
That doesn't mean I will only vote GOP, either. If I have a good third party candidate to choose from, then they will get every consideration, perhaps even priority, as the GOP political machine is just as bad as the Dem political machine.
Neither cares anything about the citizens.
Only if we don't get another more conservative candidate in the August primary.
Hi Jack: Retire politicians who have been in office for more than 10 years. After 10 years they are part of the problem.
The Founders intent was to have citizens go into public service, do duty and leave. Today politicians make a career of it.
With health insurance that no citizen has and other perks why would any pol want to leave it?
Vote! Run out the incumbents!
Mike Gosselin, Springfield MA
my wife and I live in the 3rd congressional district in Nevada, Jack.
as much as we would like to see a complete "house cleaning" in November, the Republican "Tea Party" candidate that is running against the incumbent Democrate congresswoman is such a completely off the wall NUT that we will be forced to vote Democrate as "the lesser of two weasels"
No, I do not. He's a democrat Jack, who votes for democrats?
My Congressmen are all Democrats. I will not vote for them. They either all lied or stretched the truth about the health plan. They support the cuts in Medicare Advantage Health plan to appease Obama, yet they did not support the cuts (as an example) in Florida for their seniors. Meaning NY seniors are inferior. Also they made a deal to stuff the Health plan in 2014 down our throats. They have no guts to stuff it in our throats in 2012, because they know it's not popular with the American people. These congressmen in NY are only watching out for themselves. The only proplem is that a lot of New Yorkers don't follow the details like many of us do. I hope the news gets published out there so that the voters know the shanenigans that go on not only in NY but in the whole country. We all need to stick together. Motto is "vote them all out".
My Rep is Barbara Boxer. if I could book her a trip aboard the SS Minnow, I would.
Jack,
Absolutely not. My Congressional representative has served enough terms. I want someone who will actually represent me and say no to lobbyists.
John Culberson, TX-11th is a clown. He never should have been elected to begin with.
YES. Dave Loebsack is a fine man, and is everything a Congressman should be. He does a great job representing Iowans, & we're extremely happy with him.
•
Jack, my members of Congress are Jim "Waterloo" DeMint and Joe "You lie!" Wilson, two conservative idealogues with no real solutions for our embattled state. I want them both replaced with thinking candidates who are capable of cooperation and compromise.
Absolutely! They have done a great job and I am very pleased.
You guys would be wise to take a step back and think about things. With all thats going on in America with the wars, the unemployment, the attack by BP on your very soil with the help of MMS etc etc. Do you really think you need a bunch of rookie congressmen and women running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to make changes to everything using the trial and error method?
I think the incumbants have heard your anger and your demand for "Positive" change. Why President Obama isn't pointing out why he hasn't been able to get the changes done is also the reason why these new people won't get the changes done is beyond me.
I will not vote for my congressman to be reelected. But you can be assured that he will be reelected. The only time you will see a new congressman elected here is when someone retires or dies. And then it will be a republican. There are other counties here in Pennsylvania that will vote only or a democrat. These same people are the ones who complained the loudness about the way our country is being run.
Absolutely not. They've all shown that they are more interested in maintaining their own jobs than doing what's right for the country. It's time we threw them all out and started over. If they won't pass term limits we will limit their terms.
No Jack. New minds and ideas along with them are needed to run this country the right way not like we have done for so many years.
Yes because I do not want the republicans in office at all. People forget that they are the reason we are in this mess. Get out and vote democrats
My Representative is brain dead and an Obama lackey. She has voted with Obama and neglected the wishes of her constituents. She is a classic example of a politician shooting themselves in the food. Her predecessor got caught with his hands in the till and is on his way to the federal cross bar hotel. Slim pickings when your in the market for a politician to represent the folks that vote them in.
Gerry
Ash Fork, Az.
Not the present ones Jack. I think I have heard enough of the 'jibberings' that they have been uttering for the longest. I will give the new generation politicians a chance, possibly they may be able to make a difference and do things in a new and better way, that is if they do not get stung by t'he bee' that makes politicians do business as usual when they arrive in Washington.
Stan
Little Rock, AR
I have no "home" so maybe I don't have a Member of Congress.
And I can tell you for certain that although the U.S. Congress makes laws and decisions for the entire country, if you are not considered a constituent, don't even bother to call ANY Congresspersons office!
SoI, and many more like me, are just out of luck!
Get rid of all in Washington. None of them can react to a crises until the public tells them it's a crises.
Jack,
I think we should replace our representatives as often as possible. That being said, I would look to who was running against my respresentative before making that vote. Believe it or not, it could be worse.
Yes Jack I have been pleased for many years.
I will iake a novel approach, I will see who the opponent is and where they both stand on the issues. Voting against the incumbent requires no thought and is ideal for the brainless.
Absolutely not. My representative, Phil Gingrey, opposed the healthcare bill that will help my type-1 diabetic wife be able to purchase private health insurance for the first time in her life. His blatant disregard for the health of his constituents is doubly damning because before he ws a Congressman, he was a DOCTOR.
yes! Even though I'm not a Harry Reid fan , I want someone who represents Nevada to have influence.
David, Las Vegas
High Jack-
My rep voted to help 0bama bankrupt the USSA.
During normal times and from a thoughtful person, that would sound like a bad thing. But since I'm stupid, I can be talked into anything. Accordingly, I'm voting for the Bean here in NOIL.
I'm an American ans it's my right to be an idiot and demand the same from my elected officials.
Chow,
J
No they been in past their sell by date.
Jack
I've got a mixed answer for you. Yes I will be re-electing my democrat senator Russ Feingold. However I will not be re-electing my good for nothing rupublican congressman Paul "just say no" Ryan. Ryan who wants to eliminate social security and medicare, and who wants to repeal the healthcare bill is not a person who I want to see re-elected.
Linda Janesville, Wisconsin
YES! Peter Defazio is one of the best congressman we've ever had!
NO, I DON'T!
Down here in Arkansas, we're stunned over all the seemingly dirty little
tricks that went on during the Arkansas Lincoln/Halter nomination campaign. All the polls showed Halter ahead, with the Lincoln forces resigned to defeat. Then, stuff began happening, like counties where Halter's candidacy showed strong support suddenly shut down their voting facilities. Then, came the talking heads spouting off about Halter having no support in Arkansas except outside union money, which is blatant nonsense. I see Bill Clinton's fingerprints all over this campaign. After seeing Bill's implication in the "Let's promise Joe Sestak a job for not competing" episode, it would appear to me that ol' Bill has become the Admin's combo Hit-Man and Dirty-Tricks-Guy. So, who's leading the Pres down this slippery slope? Mr. Emanuel, perhaps? Who's going to take the hit for this political slime? The Pres. perhaps?
Jack,
No, I'm not voting for my Republican Congressman whose name rhymes with Ken Calvert. He's made the list of most corrupt officials 3 years running and he's against everything except tax cuts and cutting off unemployment benefits for the lazy jobless. The polls show him ahead in the 44th District but they must be polling just those people with jobs.
Richard
San Clemente, Ca.
Hi, Jack: Believe it or not, some of us actually evaluate the candidate on the merits of their positions, voting records, ethics, etc. ... not the party or the latest sound bite, and usually vote against anything Sarah Palin supports.
I would do anything to keep people who are endorsed by Sara Palin out of the senate. Having said that I do believe the victory margin will be narrowed for the incumbents, and I am hoping the message will be sent without handing power back to the republicans. I believe the Tea Party Movement is simply a sham to get the power back. They have not shown me anything that would indicate change for the better just yet. When they do, they can have my vote.
It doesn't matter in my district, she (Brown) is running unopposed.
If they are in they are out ! I would rather lose 1-2 of the good guys
then keep all the bad ones.
All they ever had to do was their Job
I will if he makes medical marijuana leagl in the state of IL like he said he would the bill has been held up for one an a half years now but for governor I will all ways vote GREEN PARTY
No. I normally do not vote the party line, but this November is different. Republicans, including my own representative, have stonewalled every attempt made by Democrats to make America a better place to live. Republicans have not offered one new idea or one bit of constructive advice. The Republican Party has not been the "loyal opposition," but has been obstructive of every attempt to get our nation out of this recession and have prolonged it and are keeping millions of Americans out of work. Not only that, but the trend within the Republican Party has been to the right, pushing away those of us who consider ourselves moderates who would normally be open to ignoring party lines. This year I am the Democrat's Democrat.
Jack: Yes!! The people that want to vote out all office holders don't know that the areas that keep their members, will run the country.
Get real and use your head. Don't let someone else run the country!!
I wouldn't vote for that repug puke if my life depended on it . He's been bought by bussiness for decades.
Jack,
I'am from Illinois, the corrupt state, so no, I won't be voting to re-elect any of the corrupt, worthless pigs. I remember when it was an honor to be a politician, now a politician is defined as a thief, liar and just all around only look out for themselves kind of person. With what we have representing our country now is just a down right shame.
tampa, fl you have got to be kidding, right? i just changed parties, again, from independent to republican so that i will be allowed to vote for rick scott for governor. we in fla are not allowed just to vote for whomever we choose in the primaries. as for my congresswoman i hope to get her attention finally on the issue of illegal immigration by voting her fat bottom out of her political seat.
I haven't decided yet if I will vote for them again, but I'm watching them closely.
Missy M., Phoenix, Arizona
No jack i don't. In fact i don't plan on ever voting again in any election. I have lost all respect for those that run for government office regardless of their party affiliation. I have been lied to one time to many and no longer trust anyone with my vote. None of them are worth my time and effort.
No. I didn't vote for the one that is in the House previously. He doesn't vote the way his constituents want him to vote. He does what he darn well pleases. So,I will too. Time for him to go. As for the Senate. My choice,Specter, was defeated by Sestak. I won't vote for him but also I will not give Toomey me vote either. Those two will have to battle it out with any participation from me.
no. actually HECK NO!. too many of our representatives in washington have forgotten what they are there for; to take care of the people's bussiness. instead they pimp themselves out to every PAC and special interest group. or worse yet, be more concerned about watching out for themselves first. i've been a long time advocate of term limits, but since no politician will ever make such a proposal, i say the next best thing is to keep voting out the bums who, well, screw up. let them get a real job for a change and have to put up with the things they saddle the rest of us with.
NC
Yes, My reps are Adam Schiff , Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein. All good proven leaders. Most voters are swayed today by negative propaganda. It's is especially sad to me that we have fallen for "politicians" like Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina who are so wealthy they can buy an election with largely negative messages of little substance.
We are losing our democracy and degrading to a plutcracy.
Carlos Magallanes, Pasadena, Calif
Not planning on it Jack,
As far as I'm concerned a lot of our elected officials are only running so they can continue to collect a pay check. I plan on voting for Carly Fiorina for the U.S Senate, and have not decided If I will vote for our current representative in the House.
Jack, yes, I do plan to vote for my Congressman, however, I would vote for the devil himself before I would vote to return Barbara Boxer to the Senate. The reason, my Congressmen reflects my personal views on deficit spending, huge government, welfare entitlement spending, illegal immigration, etc. Boxer does NOT, and the country and state cannot afford her any longer. I only hope there are enough Californians out there that tired of their state being bankrupt to ensure she does go home.
Jack,
Absolutely, my member of Congress wanted a public health plan and when you do not have health insurance, issues matter.
Joe, Binghamton, NY
Jack, I see no reason to return Keith Elison to Congress. I did not know what he had done before being elected, and I do not know what he HAS DONE since being elected, other than siding consistently with the Democrat party instead of the VOTERS! That right there is reason enough to send him packing. Now if only most people feel the same and send their member of Congress packing!!
Hell no!!
We have Thadeous McCotter and he is doing a good job considering he is out numbered by the Left in the House. I would re-elect him as long as nothing changes!
Jack:
No. I will again attempt to vote out most of our incumbents, especially at the congressional level. I like to refer to them as "incumbitants", however, they are not so incompetent as they are cunning manipulators and minions of the party system. They are not bothered to be called scumbags, scalliwags, idiots, bastards or whatever because at the end of the voting day those do not amount to a hill of beans. Voting districts and money control the game (that would be our democracy). It is called gerrimandering and it wins over majority-rule. The latter is the misperception taught in the schools. Even if you elect an honest person in a corrupt system you get a corrupted or or powerless person. Those who suffer from needing E.D. pharmaceuticals, please know there is an alternative. You can vote, and vote, and vote, then get screwed ! Let's call it gratification by insanity.
Hell no, they've had their chance...its over...look for another job.
Jack,
Yes, I will back my Democratic Congressman. He is a freshman, a legitimate war hero, and his first term was dominated by the maelstrom of health care reform. He has introduced some interesting legislation regarding mortgage modifications. I also know personally his Republican opponent, a businessman who owns 31 car dealerships. I know for sure I don't want him as my Congressman.
Rick,
Medina,OH
No, No, NO! It is past time to clean house. if we don't get rid of the incumbents from both parties it will only be more of the same. It is time to impose term limits.
I haven't voted for an incumbent in 20 years, and I'm not about to start now. But I still have faith in the stupidity of the American voter. 90% of our representatives will be re-elected, no matter what the polls say.
No, but that is because I will be working for the candidate fielded by the Independent Green Party of Virginia, where I will be running for State Senate next year and for Governor against one of the crazy Republicans and no-name Democrats (assuming Warner does not leave the Senate to run again).
Jack,
I see no reason why not to. My representative and senator have done exactly as I wished them to, and neither has disappointed me. Both have shown that they will run this year's race in a civil, respectable manner, and both are aiming for goals that I highly approve of.
Jack if you really want to ruffle some feathers, start pushing all states to, when they print their election ballots to highlight the incumbents names in red and underline them if they’ve served more than two terms.
I truly believe that a good portion of the voting public are clueless when it comes to who their elected official are! If you can get this ball rolling, you truly are a god.
Dave from Peterborough, NH.
levin and stabinow yes. I know her . and she is a good person.anyone else in my district no way. right down to dog catcher.
Well, we Texans aren't known for our political acumen , but I gotta say NO to this one.
I plan to vote for the liar I know rather than the liar I don't know.
A resounding NO. The current representative is Democrat Harry Mitchell who won what is his first term in Congress simply because his several term Republican predecessor, J. D. Hayworth, had become a pompus windbag and his own worst enemy. But, since Arizona's 5th Congressional District is predominantly Republican, if the GOP can muster a candidate remotely approaching the intelligence level of a trained ape, Mitchell will be history. And, get this, - Hayworth is now running for the Senate against John McCain. Isn't that a hoot.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
No way do I care to re-elect my incumbent. As Obama kept saying when he was cramming the health care reform bill down our throats "We have to do this right now" with regards to term limits. If the politicians don't have to guts to do it, the voters will do it. Enough of the partianship. Enough of ignoring the constituents. We tried to make ourselves heard in town hall meetings last August and they ignored us. Too many of them go to DC, forget where they came from and forget who their bosses are. (In case they need a hint, their bosses aren't the ones streaming across our southern border.)
No. He's unresponsive to even 20th Century isues, much less 21stC. He's part of the establishment and he won't get my vote.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
Maybe not for Obama, need jobs not healthcare
Jack,
Not likely given that every response I get they try and straddle both side of every issue and nothing seems to get done. I'm inclined to give someone new a chance. How much worse can things get? Thanks for asking.
Yes I will, Jack. My Congressman is a fiscal conservative and espouses the values that I believe in. But as far as my Senators, I wouldn't vote for either. I will vote for an outsider.
Do you plan to vote to re-elect your member of Congress in November?
I didn't vote for that "carpetbagger" to begin with. He votes opposite of everything that we need and is arrogant. So NO I will NOT vote to re-elect ongressman Tom McClintock.
As for my senator, you BET I will vote for Barbara Boxer's re-election. She has been a strong advocate for both our nation and our state. I may not agree with her always but she has MY VOTE.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Why in the world would I vote for the same people that enabled the mess to begin with? By Congress doing nothing they've done something.
This also goes for the local & state levels as well here in Ohio
I am embarrassed that John Boehner ( Captain No) is from this state. I am sick and tired of paying for his campaign contributions through my electric bill. I have donated money to his opponent and that isn't even my district.
Columbus, Ohio
.
I live in New Orleans and my congressman is a Republican who was elected in the wake of Wm. Jefferson's criminal problems. It is no surprise that anyone would have beat Jefferson at that time. But the Republican does not represent the views and values of the city, and I don't think he will be elected again. I will not vote for him or any other Republican.
I received an e-mail the other day proposing term limits for Congress. It suggested that elected officials should be held to two terms: one in Congress, one in prison — just as Detroit and Chicago do now.
I cannot in good faith vote for anyone involved in passing the health care legislation not because it is not what we need, or a good plan, but because of the way it was proposed, debated, and passed.
Jack,
You say "fewer than one in three Americans say they plan to vote for their member of Congress in November". Don't less than one in three Americans actually vote?
I will for sure vote for my incumbent Congressman Ed Pastore. Ed has proven to be a trustworthy leader in Congress and has my full support. I will not, in any case at all vote for John McCain, the senior Senator from Arizona. McCain has proven to be a corrupted fraud and needs to be forcibly retired. His opponent in the AZ primary election is, however, even worse. We need a totally new face in the Senate. We can soon get rid of our other senatorial baggage also. I am a reformed ex-Republican.
I absolutely plan to vote to re-elect my congressman, who is a Democrat. I haven't voted for a Republican in 25 years, and I can't imagine voting for another one for the rest of my life. Ever since Ronald Reagan was elected 30 years ago, right-wing radical Republicanism has destroyed this country. We've dug a hole for ourselves that will be very hard to climb out of. We made gains under Bill Clinton, but George Bush pulled us right back down again.
I am a true American. I will vote for whomever is against Obama's socialistic, and anti-American agenda. The sooner we can make this incompetent boob ineffective; i.e., be able to stop his crazy spending and immoral, anti-American rhetoric, the better off we'll be.
Absolutely. The more liberal the better. Go Barbara Boxer!!!
I will not for any incumbent running for reelection.
I cannot in good faith vote for anyone involved in passing the health care legislation not because it is not what we need, or a good plan, but because of the way it was proposed, debated, and passed.
Austin, TX
We have good politicians in MD and I will vote Democrat becuase after what I see in DC I wouldn't vote for a repug for all the money in the world. If I were a repug though I would NEVER vote for anyone who the quitter from AK campaigned for because the woman is an idiot.
Jack......
As we near the halfway point in the year, could we just exhale, turn off, unplug, and sit on a front porch swing and talk about old dogs, and children, and watermelon wine?
How refreshing !
I'll be voting to re-elect both a senator and a member of the house this year. The house member has seniority and our state needs it. The senator has done a good job for veterans and the alternative is a crook so really, what choice do I have.
Absolutely NOT ! This country is very quickly heading toward total colapse and the blame rests solely on Congress. Dems and Republicans alike. It's time for new blood regardless of party affiliation.
I'll vote for the best qualifed candidate based on their record.
It's called Congress- not the Republican or Democratic House.
I suggest other Americans do the same
No, I do not plan to vote for any incumbent. I also firmly believe in term
limits. That way, if they are elected(by hook or by crook) a second time,
at least we'll get rid of them eventually! No lifetime job guarantee.
Vote them all out!
It is time we get back to the America our forefathers invisioned.
They originally only let landowners vote!
I believe only those who pay tax should have the right to vote! This is just basic logic, I cannot tell you how to spend your money, you cannot tell me how to spend mine. Only those who contribute money should be able to vote on how it is spent.
America better wake up before its too late!
I plan to vote against all incumbents. I for one am sick and tired of the posturing, idiot rhetoric and political correctness (which is merely code for moronic behavior) that comes out of Washington. My apologies to those truly good public servants that get caught up in this but I dont know what else to do, cant find any way to separate the good from the bad. To the newly elected officials (I hope there will be many) watch your backside, be honest, represent the interests of your constiuents, react to data no posturing (a la BP) and most of all, ignore those idiot life-long politicians........and you will probably be alright!!
I have voted for Nancy Pelosi and will continue to do so. She represents the majority of people in her district, regardless of what the rest of the country thinks. Besides, the Republicans know it's a losing battle and don't put much effort into running anyone worth voting for. I'll guess the incumbents that lose the most will be on the Republican side of the aisle due to Teabaggers splitting the voting block, more so the the Democrats.
I don't vote based on incumbency. I don't vote a strait party line either. I plan to vote based on performance, current views (hoping they will do what they advertise) however my vote will be influenced most by religeous affiliation – as in non-affiliation. Religeos beliefs stifle humanities progress, equality and contribute to separation within our own country. Whenever possible I will vote against any candidate who claims religeous affiliation or has governed based on their religeous views. I do not want a person of religeon making decisions for me or for anyone else. I will vote for true separation of church and state.
Yes. Martin Heinrich was newly elected in 2008. That was the last time we voted the incumbents out and democrats in. As for yesterdays primaries, it doesn't look like the wave of anti-incumbent fever was more than a ripple. Maybe you should be asking our opinions about Whitman spending $80 million of her own money in a republican primary. Does that sound like someone that knows how to manage a sound fiscal policy? Maybe we should just put the office up for auction on ebay.
It seems to me that the media is instigating the incumbent phobia in people's mind. Not all incumbents are bad. Whether you vote for an incumbent should be based on an individual basis. Yes, I would vote for an incumbent if in my opinion he he/she has worked hard for my constituency.
Jack, rejecting incumbents for that alone is stupid; especially when their opponent is worst. The problem is corporate influence in politics. We should make candidates wear the logos of their corporate sponsors like NASCAR drivers do and then reject the devil’s disciples. To that end, I will vote for incumbent Sen. Boxer who is supported by the law firm that beat PG&E after they polluted the water in Hinkley, CA causing people to die and I will oppose all CEO types like her opponent, Carly Fiorina.
tes because if we can get rid of these obstructionist Republicans once and for all maybe we can get some real reform passed. They were given a 3 Trillion dollar surplus when Bush came into to office. They squandered every penny, passed program after program didn't pay for anything they passed. Didn't include the 8 year war in the budget but kept it seperately so Americans would think things were so great. They caused this crash & like Obama said, now they want the keys back, we would have to be crazy.
Of course I will vote for an incumbent – but this time the incumbent has to be a Republican. The Democrats have a mess and somebody needs to clean it up.
Would I re-elect my liar, thief, preborn baby murdering Communist Congressman? I think not.
My Representative is Castor and I will definitely vote for her. I will opt for Crist for Senate. I would vote for anybody that does not have an R associated. This Country is dealing with too many problems to send any more Rs to Congress, just to sit on their hands. Congress needs some Moderate Conservative influence, but the only ones that have shown that, are Democrats.
Only if pigs can fly...
No Way. Kick the incumbents out, regardless of party.
This goes for state elections also.
A definitive NO. The reasons are varied, but Congressman Sensenbrenner was first elected to the house in 1978. He is in a "safe" district – carved out to protect incumbents. His voting record is, to say the least, right-wing. He was one of nine (all Republican) members of Congress to vote no on a completely non-partisan issue.
I live in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.
I sure do. For the simple reason he is a good Congressman and has proven it. His face is not in the media/papers making a spectacle of himself daily. I'm not one to follow the crowd or easily swayed by the media. And as for poles... LOL.
I've voted against my representative every election, but in this gerrymandered district Hitler would be elected if running as a Republican. So nothing new here.
Yes, I will vote for Norm Dicks again.
I will not vote for any incumbent at any level. All officeholders, at all levels have leadership responsibilities. School board members should have been working at higher political levels to prevent the erosion of American freedoms. They might not be able to vote on insurance reform or illegal immigration, but they have above-average clout and should have been using it. Not enough did.
No, no, a thousand times NO! But I will not vote for 2 businesswomen, either!!! I am a native Californian who has watched this state take the fastest nosedive ever. I've watched the school systems lose billions that were "borrowed" by the Governor and supposed to be repaid, only to have more taken away. I've been directly affected by the outsourcing of jobs overseas, gotten IOUs instead of tax refunds, and had my quality of life – and that of my family – decline to the point of having to consider 3 generations of adults living in the same household to help support an elderly parent who now cannot support herself on her retirement. The current political climate scares us to death and if we could afford to, we would all move away.
I will vote for anyone, but Democrats. They are awful. They can't govern. Their policies are proven failures. Yet somehow they still get elected. Unbelievable.
I will be voting for the incumbents in my district/state because I have seen and heard the *persons* running against them. In both cases, their reputations are less than stellar and their politics "fringe".
I am of the opinion that you can trust the idiot you know over the idiot you don't. At least I know what the current idiots are capable of.
I dont plan to vote for a Democrat OR a Republican. We need a fresh start that begins by sweeping the two major parties out of office.
I'll not vote for and incumbent even if he were the Pope. We bad need an amendment to limit all elected officials to no more than two terms, then hopefully we could get someone in there that would serve the people instead of the lobbyist who continue to stuff their pockets with hundred dollar bills.
Jack - I can't just break it down solely by "incumbent" or "challenger" I am an informed voter. I WILL be looking at their belief of how big and intrusive our government should be. I WILL be looking at their views on taxes, and whether there should be a part of the population that pays no taxes, yet has full voting rights. I WILL be looking to see if they have a common sense approach to ILLEGAL immigration. Come November, I will be ready to cast aside those who don't think like me, and IF they are an incumbent, so much the better!
My member of Congress is not running this year, but if he was I would vote for him. He is a good man in his first term. However I do think it is time to limit each Congressman and Senator to two terms and you are out. We should end this "everlasting Congress" , this lifelong Congress. If we limit the terms for the President , the same should go for Congress. What's good for the goose is...
I will not vote to re-elect my congressman. Sadly I reside in California where political gerrymandering – with input from both parties – makes unseating a sitting representative almost impossible. My vote will have no impact…
Terry, Ontario, Caliofrnia
YOU BETCHA.........The DEMS have been the hardest working congress in decades.......The GOP has done NOTHING!!!!!!
No - under no circumstances will they get my vote.
No. But as long as a foreign government controls every aspect of american life nothing will change and the shadow elite gravy train will keep rollin.
Hey Jack, yes I will be voting for Sen. Harry Reid in November. Having the third most powerful senator in Washington representing my state is fine with me. Remember these elections are local and Harry has done good things for Nevada. I don't believe Nevadans would toss out one of the most powerful people in Washington for a JR senator with no say, no power and would be essentially useless in getting Nevada things we need.
Not necessarily vote for the incumbant. I look at the candidates, first their integrity & what good they want to do in their life for the good of mankind (woemen included) & the environment. I do not care whether he or she is a Democrat, republican or an independant. Study them & vote for the best candidate in my judgement. I certainly am not FOX network news.
Sure, as long as they are a Democrat. I think we need to give them a chance to undo the mess the Bushies left us.
I think it was Jack or another hack that said conservatism was dead? Regardless, Americans don't want Government run healthcare, cap & trade, high taxes and high unemployment. Most of the incumbants are responsible for the above and hence they are getting thrown out on their asses like we promised to do if they voted for all of that crap. It's not rocket science you commi, elitist, jerks!
It will depend on the person.
This is what is wrong with the society. We don't get our way so we cling to an ideology or a pedagogy. In your question, do we cast away the people already in office just because they are already in office or their gender.
It doesn't matter what political party, it doesn't matter if they are veterans of Congress, it doesn't matter gender, religion, or race. The only criteria is; are they extremely ethical and do they put their constituents first.?
Jack,
No thank you.
Mr. Dent 15th Congressional Dist. of PA needs to return to our local community.
Hell Yes!! George Miller, Barbara Boxer, Nancy Pelosi are all helping Obama accomplish what needs to be done to clean up after 8 years of George W and the Republicans
Before the primary I vowed I would not vote for the SC incumbunt Republican senator. However, the Democratic victor in the primaries yesterday is a 32 year old unemployed military veteran who is facing a felony charge. Can you believe it? He raised no money for his campaign, no signs, no webpage – but got 59% of the vote. Do you smell the same dead rat I do?
Yes, I'll take Boxer over Fiorini anytime. Same for our Governor – Brown over Whitman. I hope this November proves you can't buy your way into politics. I also agree with one persons opinion. With everything going on right now, do we really want rookies?
I need to say one thing to the voters in the state to my west–interesting you would vote for Meg Whitman based on her eBay stint.
If you have been paying attention to eBay over the last several years under her tenure, fees have been jacked up many times over which forced many mom-and-pop businesses to have to abandon their virtual stores. They entered into a form of banking via ownership of Paypal, where any businees taking money through the service is nickeled and dimed to death with all sorts of fees.
Ms. Whitman made her money by those ever-increasing fees, so how do you think she plans to raise revenue in your state?
I certainly will! I live in Washington State and Senator Patty Murray is VERY representative of the state as a whole (though I'm sure the few folk who live out East may not agree - sorry, but population rules, not land, and King County essentially IS Washington State.) Dino Rossi will be a 3 time loser to Democratic Women in this state. If he's the Republican nominee. Sarah Palin has anointed Clint Didier - a silly teabagger of a candidate. Oh, joy. No doubt that Patty Murray will still be our Senator next year.
Looks like a lot of the comments are along the lines of
"Throw all the bums out... except my bum"
An old professor of mine said the best way to make our government more responsive to the people is to always vote against the incumbent, regardless of party affiliation. I haven't always listened to his advice, but this year, I think I will.
My Congressman will be my house guest the night before the election. I will let him sleep with a rattle snake and if the snake bites him and dies, I will vote for the opposition on election day.
No. Our representative is retiring, thank God. He’s was worthless unless your name ended in I-N-C. Our Senator up this time is of the same ilk. He told me in an email he would not support any health care reform because he had to protect insurance company profits.
Absolutely, Henry Waxman is the best.
Sure will. He's John Duncan and one of the few in Congress with a brain. Not well spoken, rather shy, but smart and does his homework. Were he other than that.............I'd vote for Mickey Mouse first!
I always believed it was my duty to vote, but now I refuse to vote for the doodie that runs.
I will not vote for my congressman under any circumstances since all he can do is try to block anything the president or a democrat puts forth and has a "I know it all attitude" plus when contacted with a concern all that is returned is a form letter stating thanks for my opinion. His blueprint for America which he claims is the solution why wasn't this introduced during the last adminstration when he agreed with everything Bush did? I will glady vote for my senator, Russ Fiengold, since he has demonstrated respect for opinions, has bucked the system and seems to be trying to do his best.
Absolutely, Jack. My reps are Republicans David Vitter and Charles Boustany. These two guys continually vote to way their constituents advise them to.
No, I do not plan to vote for the incumbent who I have supported in the past. I feel career politicians become too corrupted and soon lose touch with who they are serving...US! I will vote based on the merits of the individual and my strong intuitive gut, no matter what party they represent.
Vote for my incumbent in Congress?
Oh, HELL no!!
I'm voting for myself. And if my incumbent Congressman (hon. Lamar Smith, R-TX-21) had ever been worth more than a pitcher of warm spit, I wouldn't be in the race today.
Yes, because I will never vote GOP.
Jack. I am voting for all democ rate in the coming election and hope that no republican wins. They have absolutely nothing
1 vote against all incumbents
Some of the people here are so delusional that is makes me sick. It's like you people are missing the point COMPLETELY. Its like you ACTUALLY THINK that the Democrats are soooo much better at governance than the Republicans. BOTH of these parties are so corrupt, and will do anything to keep themselves in power that they have convinced the most gullible of us that they are benevolent and on your side. They could care less about you, you people need to open your eyes and vote third party.
Yes, retraining is quite expensive and the results are always the same. It doesn't matter what party wins. Samo, samo
I will vote against EVERYONE who is currently in office! They are all pathetic. We need some fresh blood and boot out the stale old ones who have no touch wil the real Americans!
No. The problem – too many lawyers. The solution – sucessful business people.
I won't vote in Nov. I might never vote again. I sick of the whole political mess in America. They always say they have heard the message that "the American public" is sending. But they don't seem to take care of us when they get to Washington. Then they blame the insiders in Washington. Well, duh, they are the insiders once they get there and stay forever. I'm sick of them all.
Yes, my incumbents actually do represent me.
Rep. Loebsack yes, Sen. Grassley HELL NO!
I will not vote for my present member of congress in the 6th district of Colorado. He has consistently voted against all legislation put forth by the congress. From the Recovery Act to health care to Financial reform he is a no vote. Not on principal but on party loyalty alone. I will work hard to insure he is not reelected.
YOU BETCHA.........The DEMS have been the hardest working congress in decades.......The GOP has done NOTHING!!!!!!expect saying no to the little people and yes to big oil companies....
Yes, definitely! I will vote for Senator Patty Murray mostly because she is good for Veterans. She also ensured that Homeland Security money designated for port security actually went to port security after the funds were reallocated. The anti-incumbent people forget that seniority leads to powerful committee chairmanships.
No I won't vote for the encumbent Jack but not because of your flawed characterizations of an anti encumbent movement. This is an anti Obama, anti-socialist and anti liberal movement we are witnessing if you care to be honest about it.
Ed
Philmont NY
Lets just admit its corrupt. Each candidate submits a check payable to the US Treasury when they file for running. All checks are cashed. Whoever wrote the largest check wins.
I do not plan to vote for my national Senator, Barbara Boxer because I think she fails to represent our state in the proper way. I would vote for Dennis Cardoza, my Representative at my former address, however I have moved within my city and am now in a different district due to silly Gerrymandering. I will vote Republican in my new district so that we will have one Democrat and one Republican representing our county.
Jeff W.
Modesto, Stanislaus County, California
Won't face that decision. Dr. Parker Griffith was sent packing back to his failed medical practice.
I will not vote for the encumbent. I will vote for some one that has not made a career out of sitting on their ass getting paid for doing nothing!!
Wasiila, Alaska-yes, 1 mile from the infamous fence.
Both Don Young and Lisa Murkowski need to go. They are way to "old school" with their snuggling up to BP, Exxon and Shell. Look at the embarrassing bill Murkowski is introducing today...to cut EPA emissions regulation. Young is senile and needs to retire.
Sad state of affairs–a Palin legacy!
No, I am voting for younger ones that will fit for the 21st century of America right now. Those guys in the congress right now is filled with 20th century ideas need to go now. Period!
Steve
Illinois
NO! NO ! NO! I think we should start over with fresh blood. Washington is too focused on party politics and not at all on the country. We need to elect legislators that will solve our problems to the benefit of the nation, not to further the power of a political party.
No – For whatever difference it will make.
Yes. While I'm not that impressed with Barbara Boxer, I'll have to choose between the lesser of two evils. Carly Fiorina may have impressed people in California with her CEO background, but there is a reason why she lost here in Silicon Valley where she is actually known. She got fired by Hewlett Packard for incompetence. None of the tech businesses here won't touch her.
Had it been a contest between Boxer and Whitman, I would've gone for Whitman.
I am for term limits – PERIOD! All incumbents must go, even the seemingly good ones. That's the only way to get 'real change we can believe in'. So when I vote in November, I will not be voting to re-elect anyone!
No, I will not vote for any incumbent. Lets replace the crooks from both parties with a new set of people to begin taking money from lobbiest. Then lets vote those crooks out of office.
No.
But what I really want is the opportunity to vote out some of the OTHER people's bums who keep getting re-elected, along with banishing the lobbyists who line their pockets.
Matt
Saint Augustine, Fl
I will vote against every incumbent.
Definition of incumbent: lying or leaning on something else
No. How can anyone be worse and I'm living in Alabama where those two basically agree with most of my philosophy. However, they have become too close to the problem and therefore part of the problem. There are worse but all incumbents need to go.
Let the special interest groups bemoan how troubling it is to buy a vote and then have that vote sent back home.
Jack;
My Senator is Bill Nelson. There have been several time I have NOT liked what he was doing, but then he turns around and does something well that is very important to me. So I will reluctantly stick with him.
My Congressman, on the other hand is a Republican "stick with the party mantra" political cyborg which I WILL NOT support in any way, shape, or form.
Jack,
My vote never counted in Texas so I absentee in California where I can support Barber Boxer & Jerry Brown. Let the Tea Party Radicals go down with the ship...... unless it sits sail for Alaska where they all can get along! Our current mess is 8 years old not 1 1/2 ..... Republicans broke this government they had 3 trillion they gave away when Bush was sworn in. Would you give the keys back to the guy that ran the school bus in the ditch back. I didn't think so!
Morris
Tx
I will NOT be voting for my Representative, Aaron Schock, because he is an inept twit. My Senator, Roland Burris, isn't running because he is also an inept twit. Illinois' other inept twit, Rod Blagoyovich is, thankfully, no longer in office and standing trial for being an inept twit.
Marty W.
Springfield, IL
Of course! At least I know what I'm getting. I know the Dems are working rather than scurrying around like cockroaches say NO! NO! NO!.
I wouldn't vote for an incumbent if the only choice was between them a kindergartener. At least the kindergartener feels some degree of remorse and shame when caught trying to lie, cheat or steal (as opposed to these crooks who have doing it without a thought of regret for years).
Absolutely I will vote for my Congress person. I just wish I could vote out some of those from the other states!
Some people are saying that because of Obama's lack of experience is the reason why nothing is getting done in this country. Actually, it's the rest of the pack that has been in control the whole time and have not/will not do a thing to change or make things better for the American people. Yes, we can really use some new blood as our representatives.
Absolutely! Louise Slaughter represents me well. Her door is open and I've been able to speak with her on issues of importance to me.
Jack,
Like it or not, our system of government with respect to the Congress rewards seniority. Let's see, how does one go about getting seniority?
Hmmmmmmm...........
Yes, I will vote for the incumbents this fall. I think Barbara Boxer is a great Senator and Jane Harman is equally great. Not all of the people are looking for someone new.
No, I will not vote for Dem. Rep. Doggett in the Texas 25th district. He did reply to one my many, many emails, but he started his reply by blaming everything on President Bush and that's when I stopped reading.
I live in Connecticut, I will be voting against all Incumbents here, They are all out of touch with the American people. They are more loyal to their party then they are to the people they represent. Get rid of the Dirt bags!!!
Yes I will. We have some republicans out here spending obscene amounts of money just in the primaries alone. If they think government can be run as a business, think again, it's run by consensus and there's been damn little of it lately. I have faith in our the officials we have elected in the past and will continue to support them.
Jack, I will vote for my Congressman David Price because he has voted to help Americans this past year. We needed Health Care Reform and he voted for it. We needed a stimulus to get us out of the recession and put people back to work, and he voted for this which includes my $800 tax cut. We needed Wall Street reform and Rep. Price voted for it.
Too many people don't understand the problems our country was in over the past 3 years and what was needed to turn the tide.
I also feel that all of these votes and more are responsible for increasing my 401k by 50% over the last year.
Given what we inherited from the Bush administration, I couldn't be more positive about the job Rep. Price and President Obama did.
No. But I'm sure my state who have some of the most ignorant voters in the nation will probably re-elect Senator Boxer. What a bunch of loosers. I've lived here all my life, and the last 20 it has just got worse and worse politically. We have a bunch of idiots who have been elected in this state that have no sense and waste tax payer funds on rediculous laws that have no place being instituted. I agree with Terry, that althoug I won't vote to re-elect the incumbant, the gerrymandering will make it almost a given that she will be reelected
Hi Jack:
Yes I plan to re-elect my congressman Mark Schauer in November. I feel that he will do as good a job or better than any of his challenders.All politicians tell you what you want to hear anf then do whatever their party decides to support for the most part!
Absolutely I will vote for my Congress person. I just wish I could vote out some of those from the other states!
Jack, Seems like the more we vote the more of a mess we get in... ill pass.
Lets see, my choices are the very wealthy or the very loud. I am still trying to find the honest statesman which we so desparately need. I don't care what party they are from, just focus on the issues, tell us where you really stand and then walk the talk regardless of the consequences.
Yes, I plan on voting for same representatives. They've done the best they can when you think of what they inherited from previous administration.
Barbara Hall
Lake Junaluska, NC
I wish you people would stop encouraging people to foam at the mouth just so you have something sensational to "report." Yes, I'm voting for the incumbents. This whole business about the wave of anti-incumbency is largely BS driven by the media. As Blanche Lincoln proved last night.
Some people blame the Republicans for the mess we're in but they are forgetting that this mess has been going on for many years and has finally come to a head now. These public servants of both parties have all voted to get us where we are today without thinking about what the consequences may be. They are all in someone's pocket. I am a registered Democrat. I did not vote for Obama and do not intend to vote for any incumbent for whatever race comes along. They have all become corrupt.
I will vote on logical selection criteria:
1. Integrity
2. Agreement on major questions before Congress/State government
3. Competence
Party and incumbency are small potatos.
Yes, Charles Boustany has done a great job and I think is the most honest of my elected officials. I think that the key word for ending this mess in Washington is Career politican.
Absolutely NOT!! I'm a card carrying liberal–and damn proud of it–but Henry Waxman needs to go! Like mold (and like nearly every other establishment politician), he's stinkin' up the joint and needs to be removed. If Dems aren't going to show any real backbone with their scant majority, then in my view they're no better than the Republicans. Democrat or Republican, I say clear 'em ALL out and start fresh!!
I would! Oregon has DeFazio, Merckley and Wyden! Three Democrats that do an excellent job of representing the middle class. More that I can say for those who have to vote out the corporate politicians. I wish them all the luck. We lost one with Blanch Lincoln's squeaker. Too bad.
No. I live in Montana. I will not be voting for representative Denny Rehburg. He has his own motives in mind. Not those of the people. I don't think people should be keep in office just because they are a republican or a democrat. This is not a popularity contest and the labels of republican and democrat need to be taken away so we the people can see the true colors of the candidates.
Thank you
Liz Cook
Stevensville, Mt
Absolutely NOT!!.. They all need to be gone!
As an Arizonian I must say Kyle and McCain should be shopping for rocking chairs. Both men have done nothing about manufacturing jobs leaving Arizona for the Check Republic, China, Mexico,and India. They clearly have lost touch with your average working Arizonian. Hell most the time McCain doesn't even know what side of the fence he is on or for! I guess he should ask Sarah Palin.
No! Adam Putnam is my representative. He's a right wing Republican ideologue. He and others like him enabled George W. Bush!
The system is so broken. We just had a candidate spend $81 million to become a public employee, while having the audacity to criticize public employees.
Those who are not incumbent currently will be incumbents as soon as you vote them, so, if you don't want incumbents, dont vote anyone.
Mentality of the American voter. It's not my member of Congress who is the problem it's yours. How dare you think I made a mistake last time.
Jack, No, and it isn't any direct positions against my Representative, she's just part and parcel of the problems there. As for my Senators, well let's just say that with all the e-mails I've sent in the last three years, my only answers have come in the last three months or so, and all of those have shown to be pretty vague and "well, these decisions are Hard, you know" type of gobblety- gook. Whatever these fools are drinking in Washington, I think it's time for them to ALL go on the wagon(at home, preferably). Layne A. Antioch, Il.
no, it is getting worse out here not better out here. i voted for change, this is not what i voted for. The Democrats are reading more into the concept of change than the American people wanted. Its is all about the unions for them and the money the unions give them for the next election. I am done with them all.
I will vote for the imcumbant if they are the right candidate for the job. We should never vote, or not vote based upon a social distinction. Who I vot for will be based on where each canditate stands on the issues, incumbant or not...and so should we all.
No, I have no plans on voting because I can't...I'm Canadian. Americans make me belly laugh sometimes. You have two choices-democrat and republican(not including an indy runner)...that's one more than communist China and communist Soviet Union! Up here we can vote for up to 5 parties! Now, Americans have an alternate choice , The Tea Party, and most Americans discount them? Maybe that's a movement thats needs some investigating, Believe me, from a view across the 49th, democrates and republicans are in the same bed, it's just a matter of "media spin".
I do plan on voting for the incumbent Democrat Steve Driehaus, he has accomplished more in 2 years than our old rep did and was in office many years. He voted for health care bill and though he could not go the whole way and vote for Universal Care, at least he did as promised. Republican Steve Chabot promised nothing and did nothing. ex republican Denise
No, I will not be voting for any one that supports the amnesty and most of my incumbents support it. We have had seven amnesties and they just encourage more illegal behavior.
Not any longer.
My congressman, Charles Gonzalez voted against the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009, H.R. 3458.
I had supported him for the last 12 years.
Prior to that I had supported his father, Henry B. Gonzalez, since 1961.
What the hell is the use of supporting them?
While we still thank Henry for leading the charge against Richard Nixon and ending his presidency,
Charles has betrayed the trust put in him.
Of course not. As long as they keep doing silly things like fretting over the US being "defied" by insubordinate Turkey and Brazil and keep thinking we are imperial kings of the entire universe they need to be disposed of. Now.
I vote the issues and that means listing to what the candidates say and looking at their record. How can anyone call themselves a responsible American and vote on something as random as incombent vs.newby? I hope most of us put a little more into our choices than that!
it doesn't matter. our system is broken. we cannot allow any private campaign funding now, that just leads to coruption. but our nazi supreme court has done the opposite of what would help the situation, so you see there really isn't much choice here. a good, simple, (not rich), person has no chance of being elected, except perhaps on a city level. we have people on school boards who think evolution should be challenged by creationism. we can't seem to realize that we can run our cars on alcohol, which doesn't pollute, and we are experts in it's manufacture. you can't even get an honest plumber to come to your house, if they fix one leak, they cause another.....
Jack my vote will be just like a Lifeguard when they blow the wistle.."Everybody – out of the pool"... If they haven't done the work of the people by now, get rid of them! "Term limits baby! Term Limits" Making a career of doing nothing gets us all NOWHERE! Let em go find a real job!
I'm not necessarily disenchanted with my current congressional representative. My vote this fall will not be based on "I disagree with that policy" or "I agree with that speech." I am not anti-GOP or anti-Dem. However, I am fed up with our Congressional employees' (and they are our employees) inability to work together. They are supposed to be in DC to get things done - not simply to beat the guys on the other side of the aisle.
My fervent wish would be that we outlaw ALL political parties. We should vote only for the individual who best represents our own positions and NEVER for a party-person.
Ron
Clinton, MO
No, I won't because the cycle of corruption in politics needs to end. By re-electing those who have been bought only serves those who pull their strings. If we get enough fresh people into office maybe, just maybe the corruption will end and politicians will do the work of "The People" and not for those with money.
My Congressmen is Aaron Schock, and yes, I will vote for him. He is young, smart, and pragmatic. For Senate, Roland Burris is not running, which is a good thing. unfortunately, in his place we have a choice between a Chicago Democrate (read "crook") and an Illinois Republican who likes to embellish his military service record. Neither has the character necessary to secure my vote. I will select a third party candidate after I conduct some research. They won't win, but I will not contribute to the continued lack of ethics exercised by Illinois politicians at all levels of government. I do not accept the philosophy of a "lesser of two evils". Evil is evil. Period.
Absolutely not, voted anti-incumbant in the last elections as well. We need to take back our country from those who are serving themselves in Washington today.
Yes, why not? whoever the challenger is, may be nothing but a carbon copy of the incumbent in disguise. Republican or Democrat...in my opinion, one of the same, both are a waste of my vote but I will vote with my eyes close...may the lucky one win.
You bet I will vote to keep my representatives. Both in my district are in lock-step with the majority of the American people and most Texans on every issue.
The officials that are in trouble are the ones who have turned their backs on the American people's wishes and gone down the road of "big government knows best" socialism. When you vote against the will of 70% of the American people...you deserve to get kicked out of office.
The elections can't come soon enough for me.
No way. Here in Nevada, we're saying "Vote for anybody but Harry Reid". But that presents a problem. I don't trust the Republicans OR Democrats – the "lesser of 2 evils" theory just doesn't apply anymore. That means I'll cast a protest vote for an independent candidate (or "None of the Above", which is permitted in Nevada), knowing full well a Democrat or Republican is going to win regardless. It's a hopeless situation, Jack.
Yes, I will. The Republican who who just one the Republican primary in CA spent millions to win it. I can't see voting for someone who spent MILLIONS to win the primary when our state needs financial help. So I will vote for Barbara Boxer.
I'd love to be able to vote for Dennis Moore again, along with most of our district here in Kansas. Sadly, with his retirement that won't be possible.
ask yourself
do you want to spend the bext 6 years rhe same as the last?
I am a new voter because i am 19 an i know politics well enogh that if on political party dose not get the job done then replase it i am voting for Republican.
Las Vegas NV
I think we need to re evaluate congress and how long each representative serv es. Our sysrem was designed in a slow paced world and worked effectively with the term parameters of the day, however today is a faster paced world and shit gets out of control to quickly. We should limit them to one year in the house and two in the senate with no one allowed to serve consecutively!
No way. Off with their heads! lol
Heeeeeeellllllll NO!!! They only care about themselves and THEIR jobs! They don't care if we have no jobs in this country or not! If we were the banks, car companies and Greece, we could get a bailout! So, I will bailout all of them out of their jobs including Nobama this November!!!
Yes, but only because Carly Fiorina would be such a disaster on so many levels that re-electing Boxer is the unfortunate only alternative.
Most incumbents that have been in office longer than 2 -3 terms are suspect for voting only along party lines and not voting for what their constituents would like passed as demonstrated with the recent Health Care Bill.
I don't know how this voting transformation of political figures in the Senate or Congress takes place, but when an incumbent stands against the powers of the party line, on a particular issue, they are worth evaluating, in my opinion, to see if I could vote for them in the future.
I am looking forward to someone new in Washington for Pa in the Senate.
Allentown Pa
I will vote for one incumbent, against two.
I like one of my senators (more or less), I dislike the the other senator and my representative. My state is full of wingnuts who like the other two regardless of their hypocrisy, so mine will likely be a wasted vote.
For me, this means Bob Etheridge–and the answer is absolutely NO. He voted 97 % of the time with Nancy Pelosi–he ignored the expressed wishes of the people of this district and of the people of this nation. He has done more than enough damage to the people of this district and state. Time for Bob Etheridge-Pelosi to come home..
Heck No! Change in NJ means out with the Democrats and in with anyone else. We historically have had Democratic leaders and Representation in DC along with the highest income and property taxes in the country with nothing to show for it. We can't tax our way out of this mess if the state and federal spending is not controlled.
Jack
I have no intentions of voting for ANY incumbents. Calif is in dire straights economically and Im ready to put my faith in successful and experienced business people regardless of their political experience. I'm convinced anyone can be a politician, but most politicians do not qualify to be CEO's
I would like to vote Greg Corey out. All in favor?
My incumbant rep is Hank Johnson. I wouldn't vote for him for dog catcher.
I always vote against the incumbent, but I live in Arizona, where we rubber stamp John McCain through every election. People here never learn and will vote by party no matter what. It's always someone else's senator that is messing things up, not ours.
I have no problem voting for either of my federal reps. What I'd like to be able to do is vote out the leadership in the New York State congress. These people are the most corrupt, lazy, ignorant, greedy politicians I have ever seen – and I'm a democrat! We should be able to vote out anyone in the house and senate, no matter where they're from. That way maybe Sheldon Silver wouldn't be able to use all those NYC voters to stay in office!
I will not vote for our representative as he is a dittohead and just preaches, states the lies, distortions of his party, obstructing anything that can benefit us and our country.
However, I will vote for our senator as he represents the American people. Although an encumbent he has not sold us out to Wall St.
I'll vote for the Democrat whoever it is. They may not be as progressive as I'd like, but they're still thousands of times better than any stinking republican.
That's a yes and no Jack. I will vote for the ones I that I believe have been, and will continue to, lead us away from the mistakes we have been making, and I will vote against those that I believe will perpetuate the downward spiral we are now in. There are a lot of bad ideas floating around these days, and my aim is to weed out their source.
And for the record, my favorite color is blue. But I vote clear.
Yes!
While not exactly what I would most prefer, John Salazar does a good job. Unlike many people, I know that he is not responsible for the economic meltdown. It took a lot of years for Bush et. al. to destroy the economy. If given the chance, it will take years to get it back again. Unfortunately, most people seem to want to send us back to the same philosophy that caused the crisis.
Jim, Craig, CO
No. I am a registered Dem, but I voted for Mary Fallin, a Repub., in the last election. I have written to her (and other elected officials) and received replies that simply espouse the party line on whatever issue I was addressing. She and OK's 2 worthless senators can go retire in oblivion, as far as I'm concerned, but I fear the uneducated folks who vote in this state will probably give them all passes for being patriotic, religious and conservative.
Does it make a difference? As soon as they get to Washington, DC, they start the process of selling their souls.
I will certainly vote to re-elect my Georgia 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson. He is a dedicated public servant who keeps his constituents well informed through regular newsletters and public meetings, and he draws upon his experience in accounting as well as law to hold free workshops on topics like avoiding foreclosure and how to incorporate and start your own small business. He consistently votes for moderate and progressive issues such as health care reform, which I endorse, too. The only exception is his repeated votes for supplmental war funding, in which supports the Administration, but that does not alter my support of him. Hank is, curiously, one of the few black public figures who is not a dynamic speaker. His style is quiet, calm and well informed on all issues, particularly finance, and he has a very capable staff working for him. And he is accessible.
I am NOT likely to vote for either of Georgia's incumbent U.S. Senators when they run for re-election. Both are Republicans committed to outdated views of the economy, the environment, and social issues. They came into office on Bush's coat tails and have overstayed their welcome on Capitol Hill.
Jack, since our U.S Congressman is the majority whip and is running virtually unopposed, we can only leave that slot blank.Had the Congressman redirected the $100,000, 000 to the SCHP to bring manpower back to full strength after theSC legislaure cut funding to keep themselves"in the money", and the Congressman despratley wanted to have a bridge built from "nothing to nowhere" with apologies to the handfull of residents in Rimini and Lone Star.with his name on it, we would given serious cosideration to voting in his favor. Not now.
As a registered Republican I will not vote for any incumbant. The Right wing has ruined our country and our party. The Dems are no better.
Now it has become voting for the lesser of two evils
I don't vote for anyone unless I feel they represent my feelings. I have voted for office holders before because I felt they were working for me. I have also voted for 'outsiders' because i agree more with them than the imcumbent. I vote with a pencil, not a broad sword!
Jack, stop freaking about replacing Dems with teabaggers. It will never happen in America. Our country don't want lunatics like you running our country. Also, you skipped the part where the poll said that the support for tea party has gone down. Harry Reed will be re-elcted, Obama will be re-elected because Hispanics and blacks will never vote for a tea bagger. The chances of a Republican becoming a President is if he or she is a liberal Republican and the tea baggers will never support that.Wishful thinking Jack. Finally, people say they won't vote for their law maker, but they don't trust the news guys either. So, they will keep voting for the one they already know.
For several months I've been telling all my friends, relatives, and any one that will listen to vote for ANYONE that is not an incumbent.
Peter, from the Republic of Vermont
I'm an ardent conservative...and will quite possibly vote for Jason Altmire, a Dem who isn't a knuckle-dragger. Had the courage to vote against the health insurance takeover. A bit too cozy with unions, though.
Rep. Loebsack, yes. Sen. Grassley, HELL NO! His comment of 'Pulling the plug on Grandma', smacked of Sarah Palin. I will not support anyone who suckles at the teat of ignorance!
ABSOLUTELY NOT!...I'm a registered Democrat and I voted for and still support President Obama despite everything that's happened during his term.
The problem(as if we don't already know)is our elected officials in the Senate and H.O.R.I'm beginning to believe that when it comes to elections America is so color blind it can only see 2 colors in the voting booth;red or blue.despite what we see on tv,there is another way and we have more than 2 choices...let's take a step back as a country and realize that.
I am curious what Linda in Arizona really thinks...lol – you go Linda!
I do plan to vote for my national Senator, national Senator Barbara Boxer because, Carly Fiorina is the queen of outsourcing. California needs jobs, not more problems.
Yes, as long as he isn't from the Party of No.
YOU BETCHA, Have you seen and heard the clowns running for office. I'm a total Democrat, if I vote otherwise my Dad will turn over in his grave.
"Vote them all out" is a failing political ploy from the party of NO. They can't run on their abysmal performance. Beware of anyone ever telling you to make the least informed decision. There is nothing conservative about today’s conservatives beyond a campaign lie. Everyone is still suffering from GOP control and their failed ideologies. The only thing they have to run on is creating confusion and anger and making the election about anything but performance. They want you to vote without knowledge in a kneejerk reaction to their talking points and lies because that is the only hope they have.
Vote out the obstructionist party of NO that is doing everything they can to promote American failure because it is best for their party.
I probably will vote to re-elect the current representative even though I don't always agree with him. What concerns me is the way voters make their decisions. Rather than having strong beliefs, left or right, too many people change how they think based on sound bytes, polls, specific incidents, etc. Can people change their minds? Of course, but develop a basic belief and vote for someone who comes closest to your way of thinking. No one is perfect or even close.
My representative is a repuplican. I would never vote for a repuplican. The repuplicans have caused huge damage in every aspect of life for every body in this country during the eight years they had controle over the congress. They are very good in misleading the american public, and their attempts to undermine, belittle, and block any effort to correct or reverse the damage they caused is very obvious to any one with little intelligance.
The party of "NO" will be getting the same thing from me at the ballot box.
Lobbyist have to go! They are the one funeling the corrupt money into the politicians pockets.
Not this time Jack, They need a lesson and we the people need to give them that lesson this November. No one should keep thier job in Washington, they like to tell us what they will do but then why haven't they done it already while being there?
I'm not sure Jack. Let me pop off a quick email to Diebold and find out where my vote will go. I'll get back to you on the answer once they let me know.
Yes... Boxer has my vote! We need more feminists in the upper echelons of national power.
Unfortunately our Tulsa representative is an admitted drunk who has gone to rehab while on our tax payroll, so this is a no-brainer.
While I'll not vote to help NObama with any democrats, I'm sure not going to vote for John either. I'll take an independent or another republican this time around. At least our Senators are decent people who earn our trust and their pay.
Yes, I plan to vote for my same Democrat U.S. Representative, again.
I have a good memory and I remember very clearly that we had a Republican President for 8 long years and the free rein that was given to "private enterprise" and the mess that it turned out to be. I definately would not give back the reins of power back to the Republicans.
Nevada does not have a viable candidate for U. S. Senate. I have been a registered Democrat for 30 years (new to Nevada), but Harry Reid's voting history, especially of late, does not reflect an ideology even remotely representative of the principles of the Democratic party. This cannot be better demonstrated than the watering down of HR3590 (health care legislation). I didn't even bother voting in the primary. I suspect November will get the same response from me, since there is no way I would vote for Sharron Angle, and there are no other candidates on the ballot worthy of a vote.
I'm not overly concerned about Dina Titus. I think she will hold her seat, but if she doesn't, I really don't see her as a very effective representative anyway.
I'm from Ann Arbor, Michigan and I plan to vote for John Dingell who has represented our part of southeast Michgan for about 50 years. I like his views, and he votes the way I want him to. Why change something that works. I don't blame all the problems we have on him.
What I also find interesting is that a lot of people on here are lambasting Congress as a whole, but say their individual congressman or congresswoman is great. (Hint: they're probably part of the problem and you're just not realizing it)
Representation is the key. Incumbent or not won't matter to me.
I am suprised the % is that high for those in office. What we have are bought elections &wing nuts. No suprise at all on these results. What we need is a canadate with zero personility, no sex appeal, dry sence of humor, honest and up front, and probably unpopular. As Sara would say, watcha doin Jack!
No. All the bums have to go. They failure to do what the people ask and the continued doing whatever Obama wants has to stop. I hope all the congressmen from south Ga. have a job lines up. Maybe Obama will promise them one.
I am a registered democrat and have been for a long time. I will not vote for any incumbent, Democrat or Republican. These so called representatives of the people have done enough damage. It is time for the American people to stand up and let everyone in Washington know that business as usual is over. I am not a Tea-Party person however I have had enough of taxes and the misuse of the taxes we pay. WE NEED JOBS, NOT LIP SERVICE!!!! Repeal the Health Care bill and then FIX the Health care system for all Americans......
NOBODY LISTENS!!!
Yes, I will...my reps here in WI have done well as far as I'm concerned.
No, I will not vote for the MO Senator who is up for reelection this fall. It's not because he's an incumbent but because he's another spineless member of the "Party of NO!" He, like his political cronies would rather support their mission to abort any progress than try to make a difference. They have lied about everything this President has tried to do. If the Obama Administration says the sun comes up in the East, they would argue about that because they are still furious that they lost the White House.
I've supported some, worked for some BUT
So many unthinking and emotional reactions. I will vote for one of our incumbents congressmen and not for another. Basically I view the republicans as obstructionists and the democrats as unable to compromise with themselves much less another party. Unfortunately the choices outside of that are fringe parties with ideas too radical for me. People spout that they want libertarians but they would put us in a worse situation with big business. No government oversight on business means business will have no rules they need to follow and we see what that gets us. I will vote for the person I feel will fight big business the best, even if that is not enough for me.
I'm afraid they've got me over a barrel here in California, Jack. Carly must not ever enter the congress, I won't have anything to do with that. Besides, I think Barbara Boxer represents my interests most of the time. She sold out on the public option in the end, but so did the rest of them and so would Carly.
I'm gonna vote for whomever can get me one of those green jobs that pays 15-20% more than I make now.
Gregory Turman
Dallas,Texas
As long as he/she is a democrat. Like the bulk of the country, I actually cant recall who my rep. is!!