Pros And Cons Of Representative Long

Peter Choi

Professor Gadarian

PSC 121: American National Government

1 October 2015

Congressman Billy Long of Missouri In 2010, Missouri’s 7th Congressional District elected Republican Representative Billy Long to office. Representative Long triumphed over his Democratic opponent by receiving 63% of the popular vote, which translates to 141,010 votes. Interestingly, the Republican primary election in 2010 was more closely contested than the general election. Similar election results occurred in 2012 as well. Billy Long would defeat Jim Evans, his Democratic opponent with again approximately 63% of the votes. However this time, the 63% of the voting translated to 203,565. This speaks of the voter turnout in this district. Representative Long

When Billy Long campaigns during election season, as a politician, he listens to his constituents as they voice their concern with the issues and policies that are damaging to his district. It is his responsibility to then help the citizens and ensure that he is able to do everything within his jurisdiction to mitigate these very difficulties his constituents face. If he is successful, there are two parties whom benefit. His constituents benefit by having their problems resolved and the less obvious, but perhaps more concentrated benefit goes to Representative Long himself because he is now in a position to claim credit. Passing certain legislation that he promised to his district, gives Billy Long leverage in the next election cycle because he would possess the ability to boast a successful track record and claim credit for bettering the lives of individuals within his district. This again, all goes back to Mayhew’s theory of how members of Congress seek

Under Mayhew’s criterion for a successful political career, it is easy to argue that Representative Long has fulfilled the criterion and has led a successful career. Constituents directly influence many of the political actions members of Congress make because they are the ones who possess the power of the vote, not the representative himself. As observed his television advertisement was a tool utilized by Long to reach a larger audience and for voters to be able to associate a face with the name, “Billy Long.” By enacting and sponsoring certain pieces of legislation, Representative Long was successful in claiming credit and taking a strong position to rally support around his campaign and platform. All of these moves attributed to the multiple reelections of Representative Long. However, reelection being the motivator of members of Congress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The motivation to be reelected incentivizes members of Congress to enact legislation and constantly work to improve the lives of citizens. Regardless of motive, as long as legislation is being passed through the House and members of Congress like Representative Long are improving the conditions of their district, the purpose of government is being