I trust my Congressional delegation. They represent the interests of real people

[cali]

not just the powerful or corporations. That's true for all three of them. I feel just plain lucky not to be represented by corporate hacks or go along to get along types or those who simply want money and power.

I was reminded of this by the fact that most Senate democrats signed on to the letter to Obama supporting Israel in the flotilla attack. Neither of my Senators did. But it's not just that. On issue after issue, I feel represented. I know that's not the case for most DUers.

Vermonters are lucky.

[RKP5637]

1. You are so very lucky. I write my senators and I might as well flush it

down the toilet. I can generally be guaranteed often what is best for the interests of real people will be bypassed. Frankly, it's damn depressing here. I will eventually get out. And if you're interested in rights such as DADT, etc. you're living on another planet.

[Scuba]

2. In Wisconsin, we have some we can trust (e.g., Feingold) and some...

...we cannot (e.g. Sensenbrenner).

[KharmaTrain]

3. All Politics Are Local...

The fact the rushpublicans vote in lock-step betrays their oath to represent the people who elected them. This is a large country with 435 different districts with different perspectives and political make-up. You're fortunate to live in what is now the most liberal state in the country and you have representatives that reflect that perspective, I also live in a suburban blue area, however not as liberal, thus my representative has voted to protect local industries regarding banking and pharmacuticals. Then there are blue dogs who are from conservative areas where their values are totally different than in the cities of the east, west or midwest. The marvels of a representative system is that it is supposed to be inclusive of all elements and regions of the national entity.

That said, you can't expect a representative from a district or state with a large number of Jewish voters to vote against Israel, period. While there are many American Jews have no love for the Likudniks and I consider them a major roadblock to any true peace in the region (along with Hamas) politicians don't have such luxuary to differentiate as the influence of AIPAC is like the NRA in some of these districts.

I don't feel "always" represented...never have. However, if feel adequately represented.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

4. Vermont also has very few major corporations with HQs in the state.

Which means they aren't - even proportionally speaking - a major force in the local political structure, nor is there a major fear that these corporations will leave the state and take the jobs with them because many of the ones that do exist are local in nature (either to do with farming/dairy, skiing, or are service based companies). Of course their delegation is going to reflect that.

[KharmaTrain]

5. While Deleware Operates Differently

With so many banks headquartered in the state, it's why its Senators, including Joe Biden, would vote to support much of the deregulation and why Carper is working now to water down any reforms.

Many here are still pissed about Lincoln winning in Arkansas, and I wish Halter had won, but in retrospect, she really did reflect more of the conservative values and business interests of that state which led to having a better ground organization which made the difference.

While the rushpublicans are always in campaign mode, the Democrats attempt to govern...a big difference that I don't think enough tend to notice.

Cheers...

[cali]

6. Vermont has the largest captive insurance industry in the U.S

and IBM is a big presence here, but you're right we don't have a lot of corporate headquarters here. However, there are other states with a low number of corporate headquarters etc, who vote differently. There's more to it than that.

[Lost4words]

7. Yes you are, except for that weather thing-ie!

just kidding, Yours is a Beautiful and sensible state!