Originally Posted by Robbie

That's because those politicians bring home money from the Federal govt.
And they set up sweetheart deals with companies in their home districts.

So that sets up a voter block right there. My mom worked for the Sheriffs dept. when I was a kid. And every election year, just like clockwork...we passed out flyers, went to rallys, fundraising barbecues, etc.

Basically every employee and deputy and all of their families would be working to re-elect the Sheriff (when a new one comes in they "clean house" and bring in new people)

And for U.S. congressmen and senators it's an even bigger deal. They bring in BILLIONS of federal money to their home state. And that money is always moving to the companies who can bring in the vote. Plus as a congressman or senator gets more tenure he gets more power.

So you go to the polls and let's say your states congressman or senator has been there for 40 years. He is the head of all kinds of powerful committees. Now you deal with human nature. We all want bragging rights that "our guy" is powerful.

So if you put a new guy in he's a "junior" and some other state with a long term politician gets to take over that committee and all the money that would flow back to the state.

It's all about money and power. Which is exactly what the founding fathers tried to avoid.

Thomas Jefferson would find a tree and start hanging half of Washington D.C. if he were to be brought into present times.