Getting an early start before challengers throw their hat in the ring gives me an opportunity to take a closer look at the incumbent for the congressional position up for (re)election this fall. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S Constitution outlines the responsibilities of a congressman, so as I evaluate Representative McDermott's track record, I at least have a basis of understanding what he was hired to do in the first place.
The next thing I did was take a look at his website:
http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/index.shtml
Within this site on the left hand column I was able to drill down to the legislative issues that he had been involved with and get a read on his position. The legislative menu divides itself into five areas of responsibility and this is where my work begins.
Naturally, there are numerous House resolutions so I will have to make a selection within this catalogue of those issues that resonate with me on some level. The page, entitled U.S. House of Representatives Roll Call Votes is identified by the congressional session (ex. 1st session, 2009) of the 111th Congress. What are helpful on this page are the category columns, including
- the date of the resolution
- the issue number
- a summary of the question (or issue)
- the result (i.e. pass or fail)
- a title/description field which may provide more clarity on the question
Once I go behind this curtain I am faced with the grueling task of trying navigate through a multitude of links relating to the resolution. This begs the question, how much information do I need to satisfy my research? How far will it be necessary to drill down to understand the measure, the circumstances behind it and the supporting information before I feel I can make an informed decision?
It becomes obvious rather quickly that this answer will vary on a case by case basis. It also clearly emphasizes the need to do the best job possible in electing people into office and this year I plan to do a more thorough job than I ever have in the past.
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