Pro-gun voters put heat on Democratic senators

[dan_bgblue]

Politics at it's worst. (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/09/pro-gun-voters-put-heat-on-democratic-senators/)

Do not vote your conscience, vote to keep your butt in office

[CitizenBBN]

Democratic political operatives say the NRA could be overplaying its hand this time, arguing some sportsmen may be willing to listen to moderate proposals.

True in a way but for every one who breaks ranks (sorry that's how I see it), 2-3 more are joining the fight who weren't in it previously. It's stunning how many who were middle of the road on gun issues have jumped on the pro gun, conceal carry permit side. Their response hasn't been "ban them all" but "criminals and lunatics will always get them, I'd better have one too."

Keeping their butts in office is what politicians do best, and is sure their priority. He won't tell Obama and the DNC to go to heck and lose his Senate committee assignments nor will he make the case to his constituents and risk them choosing someone else to represent their beliefs. Survival is all that matters to them.

Do what you think is right and if you lose go find a real job. It's pretty simple IMO.

[KeithKSR]

Politics at it's worst. (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/09/pro-gun-voters-put-heat-on-democratic-senators/)

Do not vote your conscience, vote to keep your butt in office

Politicians are not elected to vote their conscience, they are elected to vote the will of their electorate. If politicians are voting for fear of not being reelected then we know the system is working as it should.

[bigsky]

Politicians are not elected to vote their conscience, they are elected to vote the will of their electorate. If politicians are voting for fear of not being reelected then we know the system is working as it should.

Not true. Representative democracy is about voting for people whose conscience you trust. Otherwise why not put it all up to majority vote? Think about how it worked in 1784. You elected a guy you trusted and sent him off on horseback to represent you. No polling, no calling, no TV or radio, almost no constituent contact the entire session.

Representatives are not voting levers. Great representatives lead, not follow.

[dan_bgblue]

Representatives are not voting levers. Great representatives lead, not follow.

Very well said

[KeithKSR]

Not true. Representative democracy is about voting for people whose conscience you trust. Otherwise why not put it all up to majority vote? Think about how it worked in 1784. You elected a guy you trusted and sent him off on horseback to represent you. No polling, no calling, no TV or radio, almost no constituent contact the entire session.

Representatives are not voting levers. Great representatives lead, not follow.

While that is true when electing representatives it is the fear of answering for their voting records that keeps the system in check.

All too often our representatives do not vote their conscience, they vote based upon what their party wants them to do. The rare exception is when the fear of reprisal makes them vote the will of their electorate.