Wiston Papers

All Power to the Incumbents!

The results of last night’s national elections in the United States once again proved the long-held political axiom--the incumbents win.

Although by a narrow popular vote, President Obama was reelected to another term.  Membership in both chambers of Congress remained virtually unchanged.

Before last night’s vote, the U.S. Senate comprised 51 Domocrats, 47 Republicans and 2 Independents.  In January the Democrats will continue to control the Senate by a ratio of 55-45.

The House of Representatives was in Republican hands prior to Tuesday’s vote; it will stay that way next year.  The GOP enjoyed a 242-193 advantage in the old Congress and will remain in charge 226-184.  A handful of races is still undecided as I write.  But even if all are won by the Democrats, the Republicans will still control the House.

For decades American voters return their representatives to the House of Representatives more than 90 percent of the time.  The Senate races are sometimes a little more volatile.  Nevertheless, in the last 50 years incumbent Senators have been reelected at a rate of 83 percent.

Barely two months ago a Gallup Poll showed that only 34 percent of American surveyed have faith in Congress--one of the lowest percentages on record.

Although we don’t trust them, we continue to reelect the same men and women.  How do we explain this contradiction?  Is it inertia, apathy, resignation or stupidity?  I suspect it’s a little of each.  Voters seem to believe that their representative or senator is doing a good job.  It’s the other congressional members who are the problem.  

In January 2013 when Mr. Obama walks into the Oval Office again and  Congress returns, it will be like a television rerun.

Imagine the program opening with the announcer saying emotionally, “Previously in Washington, Congress and the President were in bitter partisan dispute over several economic crises.  The nation was on the abyss of national debt, a solution to the housing foreclosures was at a standstill, and millions of American seeking work were jobless and in despair.”

If for some reason you missed the  last four years, don’t worry.  It will all be repeated between 2013 and 2017.

But that’s all right.  It’s what America wants, right?  I guess so.  After all we  voted for the same cast of characters--even if we don’t trust them.

Steve Coon

November 07, 2012