Download Running for Congress as an Incumbent Primary Sources

Running for Congress as an Incumbent
Primary Sources
Bayh, Evan. “Congress is not Operating as it Should”. Transcript. February 15, 2010.
Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN, 1999-2011) identifies his reasons for not seeking a third U.S. Senate
term. Bayh explains that he no longer believes that he can best serve his constituents by serving
in Congress and stresses his distaste for the growing partisanship in the national legislature.
Bayh contends that, although there are many good people serving in public office, Congress
needs reform and is not serving the best interests of the American people.
Madison, James. The Federalist No. 57: The Alleged Tendency of the New Plan to Elevate the
Few at the Expense of the Many Considered in Connection with Representation. February 19,
1788.
James Madison (1751-1836) was a Democratic-Republican from Virginia who served as a
member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1789-1797, Secretary of State from 18011809, and President of the United States from 1809-1817. In this Federalist Paper, he speaks to
how the U.S. House of Representatives requires members to maintain a close bond with their
constituents. House incumbents are subject to elections every two years, thus keeping them
accountable to the people.
Term Limits for All Constitutional Amendment: Senate Joint Resolution 21 (111th Congress),
November 10, 2009.
This joint resolution, introduced on November 10, 2009 to the United States Senate by Sen. Jim
DeMint (R-SC, 2005-present), proposes a constitutional amendment that limits the number of
terms a Congress member may serve to three in the House of Representatives and two in the
Senate.
Wilson, James. The Legislative Department, Lectures on Law, Document 18. 1791.
Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice James Wilson (1789-1798; Wilson was also Founding
Father), discusses how members of the new national House of Representatives will be chosen by
the people of the states. Wilson quotes Lord Bacon when describing the important work of a
legislator agreeing that, “the uniting of hearts and affections of the people is the life and true end
of this work.” Moreover, he reaffirms that the Constitution promises a republican form of
government to all states and that the existence of the new government depends directly on the
people.