Even members who know the direction of their party is wrong rarely use the power they have on their way out. The reasons are uncomfortable—and one day many of them will regret it.
Thanks for the error in access; I usually can't participate because I can't afford another substack. My sole household income is SS owing to disability, but that's another topic that could have been of particular interest for you as a former compensated servant. Bravo though, that your heart and mind still serves. I commend you for that - highly, but had no ability to say so. Your continued interest has piqued my interest and respect sir. I am certain though, that given the opportunity, my narratives and experience might certainly hold keen interest for you; But that of course is an assumption. Bravo Adam; Keep us in your thoughts.
They are afraid for their lives, and their families, with all the radicals out there waiting to cause mayhem! When in the past 250 years have we seen anything like this? Remeber what Dr. Fauci went through?
Tillis is PERFORMING after behaving like a cuckholed coward ! His pretentiousness is perverse! These people are UNBELIEVABLY sickening !!! They SWORE to uphold the Constitution !!! And just got dressed for "work" and DID NOTHING but swing off trumps idiocy!!! Most worthless and disgusting group of people I've ever seen !
He gave up on North Carolina hospitals really quickly. He lands punches if he's got rich donors in support of his punches. For his voters, not so much.
I understand all of that. But he’s done a couple things and taken substantial heat. For instance, he’s saved J Powell from T when no one else would. I’m far more likely to call out Budd who is wholly self interested.
Kinzinger is right about the incentives. Where I think he’s wrong is the conclusion people draw from them.
My father served seven terms in Congress. My grandfather served for more than two decades. I grew up watching what happens when someone decides the incentives don’t own them.
On Ways & Means, my father forced a discharge petition to kill the oil depletion allowance. Leadership threatened to strip his committees. His response: go ahead—you’ll make me President. The old guard was furious. The next generation took notes.
He later became Mayor, went back to Congress, and his city ended up receiving more federal funding per capita than anywhere in the country. Standing up didn’t cost him—it defined him to a new generation of leaders.
As a kid, my Dad apologized to my grandfather for speaking out of turn. My Grandfather asked: “Did you say what you believe?” Dad said yes. He said, “Do it your whole life.”
That’s what’s missing here. Incentives are real—but they’re not fate. They only control people who let them.
Retiring members who stay quiet are making a trade: access now for respect later. They’re overvaluing the first and underestimating the second.
The irony is the members who stay will eventually wrap themselves in the credibility of the few who stood up. They’ll wish they had.
The people who actually go somewhere—in politics or out—are the ones who decide the consequences are worth it.
If you want easy choices, don’t run for Congress.
Curious how others see it—are the incentives really that binding?
That yea, was not at all encouraging Adam. Thanks for drawing a line in the sand and standing up for what you were elected to do. Too many elected officials don't seem to understand, your party might help you get into office, but once there, you represent all the people. Not just your party. I used to be an independent, sorry to say I no longer have a choice.
And oddly, I would most likely vote FOR a person who had the courage to stand up for what is right, rather than a person who fell to pressure. Example: I truly believe that you and Liz Cheney had the moral courage to stand up for what was right. If either of you ran for an office in which I could vote, I would absolutely choose both of you for your moral courage, the truth you saw and your commitment to seeing our democracy succeed. 💕
Right now, I am looking at having to vote for a governor. Not entirely happy with the one now. There is a Republican who I was listening to who sound really good so I investigated further. He totally approves with all of trump’s policies now and in his first term. So ….😏
Sorting them out is a very real thing Debbie; And that's true of all parties and persuasions. We need new metrics for evaluating our congress critters of all persuasions with extreme urgency in my opinion. We need more history for instance, than say their academic achievements, accepting that walls of diploma's insure "nothing."
Every time we have raised the compensation for members of parliament, to make it just a part of a general career with revolving doors between politics and private Enterprise... We have gotten to regret it.
If we could clear it out and start over with a fresh Congress, it would take less than a year to get back to this same point. We have to change the incentives.
How about thinking about the whole thing in a different way? A good starting point is the idea that a middling manager can bring home easily in the neighborhood of high six figures and option plans, while a US rep will take home a fraction of that and for options, exactly the indentured service to various lobbying circuits AK was talking about. I actually find outrageous that senators and representatives, the summits of national public service, people who manage trillions!!!! are paid in fucking peanuts! When the moronic notion that they should be paid in handshakes and gratitude IOUs took over, I suspect is exactly when things started going to hell.
HMMM... and teachers? caregivers? fire fighters?.. the list goes on and on. How about if we revamp our society and pay people accordingly? Or just pay everyone the SAME and then it will be up to each of us to manage that income according to their own beliefs, talents, needs, and priorities? Some will be more wealthy than others but maybe each will have what they need. What a pleasant thought.
very 1917, comrade, I am with you, prosperity for all, but all good things have small beginnings, let's start by paying our members of congress well, so we can attract and keep the best the country offers
I am recalling the universal income concept that came into our elections some years ago. What if everyone made the same amount and only transcended that with more education? That might create the desire of some to learn more in order to not only be better at what they do but be rewarded accordingly. Just a thought.
Unfortunately it’s all about the money and prestige, not what is good for the people they represent and the country. I respect tremendously what you did Adam. You did the right thing and you will be remembered for that. Your wife, your children and their children will look favorably on you. You had the courage to do the right thing. I only wish there were more of you in Congress like you. You are an example we can all aspire to. Thank you for your voice and service to this country.
Ditto; And only a sparce few others - rare even. Immediately coming to mind would be Liz Cheney; She has certainly proved to be far more than just pretty face, imho. I'd love to speak at length with both her and Adam, even though that would seem impossible, given that I personally have little to offer them personally.
I admit to being a bit naive - you laid it all out and my response in light of your sharing with us is this: To be elected is to agree to public service, not private gain. Public service is a choice, and with that choice comes responsibility. If you really prioritize private gain, there are plenty of pathways to that goal. For example, I became a teacher and then a professor - making money was not a goal, changing lives for the better was the goal. I had a decent salary. Why can't elected officials view their career more in that light? Guess I am still naive.
Sadly, money gets people elected in this country. We need to restrict campaign donations, and while we are at it, the length of political campaigns. Other countries do not have to endure the never-ending cycle we do.
I agree Marsha. Donation amounts through PAC’s and others need reformed as do term lengths and length of time for campaigning. Maybe add no lobby jobs for at least 2 years after leaving .
At one time many who served did so for the public good. Needing money and lots of it started changing the calculus. Then came Citizens United and money from deep pocketed individuals through their PAC's became a tsunami. Those running a campaign based on principals to benefit the common man were wiped out, usually in primaries. All that are left are the ones who speak out of one side of their mouth, while having their palms held out to be greased. That's the way to get elected so no surprise that it is still the driving factor with they retire.
So true…..was working in the public sector always thought to be more about prestige and money vs. doing the public’s work? I have often wondered. I am betting not. Is it a human instinct to strive for personal gain and do a little good here and there? Or is this a cultural thing? Do we raise our young ones to appreciate doing the right thing for sake of the act? I tend to think our Government will never truly be for “The People”, but rather what feels good. Bernie Sanders may be on to something but can any of us say he is not tainted? I have no idea either. What all this chaos is showing me is this, if I wanna see real change the good kind of change, it’s always gonna be change for a few out of many. The purest form of government is gonna be at the hardworking local level where people can immediately sniff out personal gain and publicly condemn it in OUR neighborhoods where everyone see’s you. The accountability factor at the top has finally shown it truly has no effect unless Congress decides that accountability is still important. I WILL say locally if you let your trash sit out so everyone can see…THEY WILL LET YOU KNOW ITS NOT OK AND YOU NEED TO ADJUST THE WAY YOU OPERATE! Or, maybe, I’m to simple to understand that wealth and power are the two most important aspirations for everyone and that is how all societies run….but can’t we at least try to be better?
"The LOVE of money IS the root of ALL evil." (People get that quote wrong all the time.) Money is not the root cause of all evil. Look at how the Federal Reserve is continuing to bail out bad practices of the banking industry. The love of evil things and evil doing will destroy us.
Adam's "partner in crime", the equally courageous Liz Cheney, said the following during the J6 Select Committee's hearings: “I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain.”
Watching and following from Canada... Your clarity and moral compass are to be commended. I am saddened to see what a circus your government has become and the way MAGA, specifically, treats the world.
Excellent! This is why I admire you and the stand you take. When others went along with the corruption, you stood up for what is right. I say, Kinzinger for President! We need more men like you.
A great article, Adam, that offers rare insight into the American elected official's mind & heart. I learned something from this, and I thank you! Please consider submitting this to the NYTimes because you offer a very rare perspective: the dilemma of a principled politician! What you speak of is true of BOTH parties - our current system is hugely flawed. You inspire me to believe there could be a better way forward.
These are the same reasons that term limits don’t work. Missouri has term limits for Missouri State Senators and Reps, and it hasn’t led to better legislation or policies. Those elected have their sights on their ensuing lobbying career, and know the exact timeframe they have to set it up; they don’t have their focus on the people who elected them. Don’t be fooled into thinking that term limits are a magic bullet.
Maybe make laws that former legislators can’t sit on boards, work for lobbyists, etc for a long period of time(15-20 yrs?) after leaving. You make a good point.
Yes, Correct in corrupt Ohio the Republican legislators just run for a different seat. Run out their term in the house then run for the state Senate then treasurer or auditor or Secretary of State.
But surely there can be laws written that can prohibit that. But the problem is the very people needed to pass those laws are the very ones who would benefit if such laws didn’t exist. It’s the proverbial “fox guarding the hen house”.
The world is currently ablaze, and hundreds of thousands--if not millions--of people may be dead because of one malignant man (USAID/Medicaid/SNAP cuts as well as a broiling conflict in the Middle East that could explode into WWIII. The fate of the world could literally be in these two or three Congresspeople's hands. Do they really want to risk ending all of humanity for a freaking lobbying gig?
Just to be strategic, aren’t there a few deep-pocketed pro-democracy leaning lobby groups that could offer these retiring GOP member lucrative contracts, if they vote for the good of the country for the rest of their term?
I always appreciate your thoughts & comments Adam !! I look forward to voting in the midterms; not just for the positive outcome, but so I feel like I am doing something constructive. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Apologies, accidently turned off comments for this one. Back on!
Thanks for the error in access; I usually can't participate because I can't afford another substack. My sole household income is SS owing to disability, but that's another topic that could have been of particular interest for you as a former compensated servant. Bravo though, that your heart and mind still serves. I commend you for that - highly, but had no ability to say so. Your continued interest has piqued my interest and respect sir. I am certain though, that given the opportunity, my narratives and experience might certainly hold keen interest for you; But that of course is an assumption. Bravo Adam; Keep us in your thoughts.
They are afraid for their lives, and their families, with all the radicals out there waiting to cause mayhem! When in the past 250 years have we seen anything like this? Remeber what Dr. Fauci went through?
Yet Tillis has landed some punches. Never thought he would but if he can, so can others.
Tillis is PERFORMING after behaving like a cuckholed coward ! His pretentiousness is perverse! These people are UNBELIEVABLY sickening !!! They SWORE to uphold the Constitution !!! And just got dressed for "work" and DID NOTHING but swing off trumps idiocy!!! Most worthless and disgusting group of people I've ever seen !
He gave up on North Carolina hospitals really quickly. He lands punches if he's got rich donors in support of his punches. For his voters, not so much.
I understand all of that. But he’s done a couple things and taken substantial heat. For instance, he’s saved J Powell from T when no one else would. I’m far more likely to call out Budd who is wholly self interested.
I’m a regular American and I have one question for you an the chicken shit members of Congress:
WHERE IS YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THE CONSTITUTION?
You were not elected to pad your pockets on the dime on the rest of us!
GOD DAMN IT! !
Kinzinger is right about the incentives. Where I think he’s wrong is the conclusion people draw from them.
My father served seven terms in Congress. My grandfather served for more than two decades. I grew up watching what happens when someone decides the incentives don’t own them.
On Ways & Means, my father forced a discharge petition to kill the oil depletion allowance. Leadership threatened to strip his committees. His response: go ahead—you’ll make me President. The old guard was furious. The next generation took notes.
He later became Mayor, went back to Congress, and his city ended up receiving more federal funding per capita than anywhere in the country. Standing up didn’t cost him—it defined him to a new generation of leaders.
As a kid, my Dad apologized to my grandfather for speaking out of turn. My Grandfather asked: “Did you say what you believe?” Dad said yes. He said, “Do it your whole life.”
That’s what’s missing here. Incentives are real—but they’re not fate. They only control people who let them.
Retiring members who stay quiet are making a trade: access now for respect later. They’re overvaluing the first and underestimating the second.
The irony is the members who stay will eventually wrap themselves in the credibility of the few who stood up. They’ll wish they had.
The people who actually go somewhere—in politics or out—are the ones who decide the consequences are worth it.
If you want easy choices, don’t run for Congress.
Curious how others see it—are the incentives really that binding?
So politicians start their careers by promising to fight for the people, and end their careers protecting themselves. This system stinks.
Ya.
That yea, was not at all encouraging Adam. Thanks for drawing a line in the sand and standing up for what you were elected to do. Too many elected officials don't seem to understand, your party might help you get into office, but once there, you represent all the people. Not just your party. I used to be an independent, sorry to say I no longer have a choice.
And oddly, I would most likely vote FOR a person who had the courage to stand up for what is right, rather than a person who fell to pressure. Example: I truly believe that you and Liz Cheney had the moral courage to stand up for what was right. If either of you ran for an office in which I could vote, I would absolutely choose both of you for your moral courage, the truth you saw and your commitment to seeing our democracy succeed. 💕
Right now, I am looking at having to vote for a governor. Not entirely happy with the one now. There is a Republican who I was listening to who sound really good so I investigated further. He totally approves with all of trump’s policies now and in his first term. So ….😏
There is not a single Republican running for any office who deserves a vote.
So sad, understandable but so sad in terms of being proud of my culture and country.
Sorting them out is a very real thing Debbie; And that's true of all parties and persuasions. We need new metrics for evaluating our congress critters of all persuasions with extreme urgency in my opinion. We need more history for instance, than say their academic achievements, accepting that walls of diploma's insure "nothing."
Exactly what I thought as a Swede. :p
Every time we have raised the compensation for members of parliament, to make it just a part of a general career with revolving doors between politics and private Enterprise... We have gotten to regret it.
I hope this gets through to a couple of them, at least.
It’s what so many in this country were angry about and got swayed to MAGA.
Their campaigns are all a big lie!
Just coming to say this!
If we could clear it out and start over with a fresh Congress, it would take less than a year to get back to this same point. We have to change the incentives.
As long as MONEY is GOD in human minds we will have this issue in every aspect of our society.
We are a flawed species. All others know when enough is enough.
How about thinking about the whole thing in a different way? A good starting point is the idea that a middling manager can bring home easily in the neighborhood of high six figures and option plans, while a US rep will take home a fraction of that and for options, exactly the indentured service to various lobbying circuits AK was talking about. I actually find outrageous that senators and representatives, the summits of national public service, people who manage trillions!!!! are paid in fucking peanuts! When the moronic notion that they should be paid in handshakes and gratitude IOUs took over, I suspect is exactly when things started going to hell.
HMMM... and teachers? caregivers? fire fighters?.. the list goes on and on. How about if we revamp our society and pay people accordingly? Or just pay everyone the SAME and then it will be up to each of us to manage that income according to their own beliefs, talents, needs, and priorities? Some will be more wealthy than others but maybe each will have what they need. What a pleasant thought.
very 1917, comrade, I am with you, prosperity for all, but all good things have small beginnings, let's start by paying our members of congress well, so we can attract and keep the best the country offers
I am recalling the universal income concept that came into our elections some years ago. What if everyone made the same amount and only transcended that with more education? That might create the desire of some to learn more in order to not only be better at what they do but be rewarded accordingly. Just a thought.
I think at this point many politicians start out for the power and the money.
Unfortunately it’s all about the money and prestige, not what is good for the people they represent and the country. I respect tremendously what you did Adam. You did the right thing and you will be remembered for that. Your wife, your children and their children will look favorably on you. You had the courage to do the right thing. I only wish there were more of you in Congress like you. You are an example we can all aspire to. Thank you for your voice and service to this country.
Ditto; And only a sparce few others - rare even. Immediately coming to mind would be Liz Cheney; She has certainly proved to be far more than just pretty face, imho. I'd love to speak at length with both her and Adam, even though that would seem impossible, given that I personally have little to offer them personally.
I admit to being a bit naive - you laid it all out and my response in light of your sharing with us is this: To be elected is to agree to public service, not private gain. Public service is a choice, and with that choice comes responsibility. If you really prioritize private gain, there are plenty of pathways to that goal. For example, I became a teacher and then a professor - making money was not a goal, changing lives for the better was the goal. I had a decent salary. Why can't elected officials view their career more in that light? Guess I am still naive.
Sadly, money gets people elected in this country. We need to restrict campaign donations, and while we are at it, the length of political campaigns. Other countries do not have to endure the never-ending cycle we do.
I agree Marsha. Donation amounts through PAC’s and others need reformed as do term lengths and length of time for campaigning. Maybe add no lobby jobs for at least 2 years after leaving .
No lobbying at all would be excellent.
.... And there you have the main problem intertwined with another - MSM accessibility.
At one time many who served did so for the public good. Needing money and lots of it started changing the calculus. Then came Citizens United and money from deep pocketed individuals through their PAC's became a tsunami. Those running a campaign based on principals to benefit the common man were wiped out, usually in primaries. All that are left are the ones who speak out of one side of their mouth, while having their palms held out to be greased. That's the way to get elected so no surprise that it is still the driving factor with they retire.
So true…..was working in the public sector always thought to be more about prestige and money vs. doing the public’s work? I have often wondered. I am betting not. Is it a human instinct to strive for personal gain and do a little good here and there? Or is this a cultural thing? Do we raise our young ones to appreciate doing the right thing for sake of the act? I tend to think our Government will never truly be for “The People”, but rather what feels good. Bernie Sanders may be on to something but can any of us say he is not tainted? I have no idea either. What all this chaos is showing me is this, if I wanna see real change the good kind of change, it’s always gonna be change for a few out of many. The purest form of government is gonna be at the hardworking local level where people can immediately sniff out personal gain and publicly condemn it in OUR neighborhoods where everyone see’s you. The accountability factor at the top has finally shown it truly has no effect unless Congress decides that accountability is still important. I WILL say locally if you let your trash sit out so everyone can see…THEY WILL LET YOU KNOW ITS NOT OK AND YOU NEED TO ADJUST THE WAY YOU OPERATE! Or, maybe, I’m to simple to understand that wealth and power are the two most important aspirations for everyone and that is how all societies run….but can’t we at least try to be better?
You are not naive. You have a conscience and a moral code that is worth far more than any amount of money can buy.
I think that the amount of money they realize they can make once they are in office is just too tempting.
"The LOVE of money IS the root of ALL evil." (People get that quote wrong all the time.) Money is not the root cause of all evil. Look at how the Federal Reserve is continuing to bail out bad practices of the banking industry. The love of evil things and evil doing will destroy us.
Exactly!
Adam's "partner in crime", the equally courageous Liz Cheney, said the following during the J6 Select Committee's hearings: “I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain.”
I am glad you brought up what Liz said. I thought it was great. Too bad her old party is not paying attention.
Thank you Adam, for being that man of character. Here’s to hoping that maybe, just maybe, they will see themselves here 😞
Watching and following from Canada... Your clarity and moral compass are to be commended. I am saddened to see what a circus your government has become and the way MAGA, specifically, treats the world.
I'm watching from Ohio and I'm equally saddened - and horrified.
It helps to know that you are in solidarity with those of us that are resisting. Thank you.
You’re saddened? Imagine how we feel!
Great column. Maybe it will give someone a nudge.
Those were my two thoughts as well, but also WE ONLY NEED TWO!
History is not going to look kindly on any of them.
Their own children and grandchildren won't! They don't need to wait for history.
How have we gotten to the point where doing the right and moral thing is so hard? So sad.
Excellent! This is why I admire you and the stand you take. When others went along with the corruption, you stood up for what is right. I say, Kinzinger for President! We need more men like you.
A great article, Adam, that offers rare insight into the American elected official's mind & heart. I learned something from this, and I thank you! Please consider submitting this to the NYTimes because you offer a very rare perspective: the dilemma of a principled politician! What you speak of is true of BOTH parties - our current system is hugely flawed. You inspire me to believe there could be a better way forward.
These are the same reasons that term limits don’t work. Missouri has term limits for Missouri State Senators and Reps, and it hasn’t led to better legislation or policies. Those elected have their sights on their ensuing lobbying career, and know the exact timeframe they have to set it up; they don’t have their focus on the people who elected them. Don’t be fooled into thinking that term limits are a magic bullet.
Maybe make laws that former legislators can’t sit on boards, work for lobbyists, etc for a long period of time(15-20 yrs?) after leaving. You make a good point.
Ohio Statehouse has term limits too, and our whole state government has become *incredibly* corrupt.
Yes, Correct in corrupt Ohio the Republican legislators just run for a different seat. Run out their term in the house then run for the state Senate then treasurer or auditor or Secretary of State.
But surely there can be laws written that can prohibit that. But the problem is the very people needed to pass those laws are the very ones who would benefit if such laws didn’t exist. It’s the proverbial “fox guarding the hen house”.
absolutely true
The world is currently ablaze, and hundreds of thousands--if not millions--of people may be dead because of one malignant man (USAID/Medicaid/SNAP cuts as well as a broiling conflict in the Middle East that could explode into WWIII. The fate of the world could literally be in these two or three Congresspeople's hands. Do they really want to risk ending all of humanity for a freaking lobbying gig?
Just to be strategic, aren’t there a few deep-pocketed pro-democracy leaning lobby groups that could offer these retiring GOP member lucrative contracts, if they vote for the good of the country for the rest of their term?
“Why was I such a coward?” Will echo across the country for eternity….
I always appreciate your thoughts & comments Adam !! I look forward to voting in the midterms; not just for the positive outcome, but so I feel like I am doing something constructive. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸