FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Pity our poor Congress.
With many members of Congress calling it quits this year - some say it's because the job just sucks.
Politico reports that lawmakers young and old are leaving public service for the private sector because "the thrill is gone."
They say it's just too hard to get things done with the gridlock in Washington.
Republican Senator Olympia Snowe made a splash with news of her retirement - highlighting the "dysfunction and political polarization" of the Senate.
Democratic Congressman Barney Frank has said he was frustrated because the public no longer tolerates deal making.
Retiring four-term Oklahoma Democrat Congressman Dan Boren tells Politico, "I'm used to being a player. You want to get things done for your constituents. If you can't ever become speaker or a committee chairman, why are you doing it?"
For some lifers the job just isn't as prestigious as it used to be - plus these days nobody likes them much.
They can't earmark money for constituents, they need to maintain residences in two cities, fundraising is a headache, and a lot of perks have disappeared thanks to ethics rules. Awww…
Oh - and their pay has been frozen for 3 years - at $174,000.
Not quite a hardship for millions of Americans dealing with extended high unemployment, soaring gas prices and plummeting home values.
Want more?
Other lawmakers cite the constant media presence in the era of blogs, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. They worry about having any little thing they do or say splashed on the Internet.
Here’s my question to you: Would you want to be a member of Congress? Some of them say the job sucks.
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Craig in Tampa, Florida:
Lowest I ever sank was selling furniture and car insurance. Never been a car salesman or member of Congress. Since I like to look at myself when I shave in the morning, being jobless or homeless is preferable to me.
Ken in New Jersey:
Yes, I would love to work 120 days and make $174,000. If they think that sucks then let them take one of the newly created Obama jobs at McDonalds or Walmart.
Terry in Virginia:
Yes, but only if Congress started fresh with no incumbents when I took office. We need to get rid of the career politicians in D.C. They aren't part of the problem; they ARE the problem. Boot them all out. We the People deserve better.
David in Massachusetts:
I would love to be in Congress. I'd get a 400% pay increase.
Kyle in Denver:
Whaaaa, Whaaaa, Whaaaa... I have never seen such a bunch high-paid, overly self-important employees do so little on the job. What a bunch of complainers. Their situation was mostly brought about by their own intransigence and flat-out unwillingness to do their jobs.
Mark in Florida:
No, ultimately the position corrupts. The party will isolate you if you go against the agenda. There is no prestige in it anymore; life is lived in a fish bowl. Every vote cast makes enemies. There are a lot of ways to survive financially, a life bowing and scraping for money and making promises and supporting the unsupportable triggers sending underwear photos on the internet. This is not a career I would enjoy.
Robert in North Carolina:
Absolutely! I think I would be perfect. I am not too smart and I can spin a yarn with the best of them. I have a lot of ambition but am not willing to work hard. Then there is that nice retirement and all those lobbyists who love you. Jack, I think I could do it. Send me a donation and I will get started on the campaign. Make the check to "cash." Thanks.