I was hoping to get to this a tad later, however, with people starting to look for someone to replace the retiring Tim Johnson. It might be a good time to look at what we need as a Senator and Representative. Instead of throwing names around I look for what we need then find a person to fit that need
It is a given that our congressional delegation represents South Dakotan interests at the federal level, like they are suppose to. There is so much more. They help keep the nation on the straight and narrow, deal with the budget, foreign relations, court and cabinet appointees and helping constituents deal with the alphabet soup of government agencies. the list goes on and on. In Short we want someone who can ‘do’ the job, not just get elected.
Budget-
Everyone from the Radical Right through the Blue Dog Democrats knows our federal government has a serious spending problem. The federal budget is a true monster that few truly understand in it’s entirely. This isn’t your family budget. There many things that need require ‘special’ funding. ‘Fixing’ it is going to take team work and cooperation between the houses and the parties. With everyone in Washington D.C. so deeply entrenched in their positions; getting them to budge on their position might take a bit more than a Williams Big Bud V16-747 Tractor. To say this is a tough job is an understatement. This task I do not envy, nor wish upon my worst enemy.
Foreign Relations-
There are countries that hate ( I do mean HATE.) the United States, and would like nothing more than for us to just vanish, of course they are willing to help us along. The President is the Command-in-Chief and has been charged with the defense of the country, with oversight from congress. A good understanding of what military can and can’t do is very important. There are developing countries that we try to help them help themselves. How to best do that can lead to some debate. Of course, we would like to open markets to fair trade. There is question about illegal immigrants. The executive branch negotiates the treaties, the Senate must ratify them. An understanding of the world political, social and economic situation is vital.
Appointees-
The job interview from hell. I for one would dislike be asked to sit in front of some committee, who have in front of them more information on me than I know, then be asked to answer rapid fire questions about myself and the job. Of course, all this is video taped and photographed. (if I ever show up at one these the tape would end up on ‘American Funniest Videos’) These people must be above reproach and lived a squeaky clean life from the day they were born. These appointments are the people who actually turn the wrenches; who takes the policy and make it happen. They make the government tick. Of course, we want to make sure we have the right person for the job. We need to be asking the right questions of our candidates before they get to Washington. Can they appoint the right person for the job? Can they ask the tough questions, and listen to the answer?
Constituent services-
When dealing with any government agency or company, it is always helpful to have an ‘in’ person. You know, that person you can go to when something just isn’t’ right. To help guide you or point you in the right direction, or get you a meeting with the right person. If nothing else, know where to get the best steak in town. Whatever we need, we want to know that our Senator or Representative is aware of our situation or request and the very least appointed the correct person to deal with it. If we write them a letter or E-mail we expect some kind of response. I especially dislike form letters. If I took the time and effort to write a personal note, I should get something back if appropriate. If I cut and paste a form letter, then I deserve a form letter back.
The parties –
A candidate’s or elected representative’s first reasonability is to the people.
Their second is to the Constitution. While they are serving, they may happen upon others who hold similar principals. They work together to pass legislation to benefit both states. They may even formalize their relationship by joining a political party. The party offers to help them with their election, get bills sponsored and passed, in exchange the party expects them to help other lawmakers get their bills passed. Their platform may consist of principles and values that the candidate supports. Working within the party is great way to get things done.
Every once in a while, there will be an issue that comes up that the people in the representatives area (district or state) opinions or attitude may go against the principals of the party’s platform. That representative must have the courage to stand up to the party and party bosses. At the same time the party must understand the representative’s primary focus must be people they represent and the Constitution they have sworn to defend.
We all know there are party purists out there, those who believe the platform is the be all and end all of all humanity. Anyone not toeing the line should be publicly flogged. That shouldn’t be case. The representative is held accountable by the people who elected him; not the party. The party may provide funding and additional support for a campaign; however it is the people who cast the votes in the election. I would like some who can work across the party lines, not just their own party.
A candidate’s or elected representative’s first reasonability is to the people.
The most important – Listen to us.
We fully expect and deserve to be heard. They are our collective voice in Washington D.C. they are not Washington’s voice to South Dakota. If we want passenger rail service to and from South Dakota’s largest cities, we expect them to hear us and take our message to Amtrak, the Department of Transportation, and maybe approach private businesses to make it happen. If we have concern about a law or bill they shouldn’t defend it in the name of the party, or scoring political points. They should listen to us then voice those concerns on the floor of their respective chamber. If they are not listening to us when they are on the campaign trail, are they going to listen to us when they are in office? If they are not listening to us, who are they listening to? The party bosses? The donors wth deep pockets? The voices in their heads?
You already know most of the names. As time goes on, names will be added, and names will be removed from the list. Here in South Dakota, we really care very little about the ‘R’ or the ‘D’ We want someone who will serve us, not sell us out.
