General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why the American People hate Congress (at a glance, via one graphic) [View all]hfojvt
(37,573 posts)In the last Congressional race here, they had one debate.
In both 2006 and 2008, the local debate was packed and also filmed for the local cable access channel. However, those events are limited to the larger cities.
Calling a Congressional candidate is kinda forward, and the candidate is not likely to have time to talk to just one voter.
But you know who would have the time? The candidate with money, because he would have a secretary and staff to answer questions and write letters. You know who especially has the resources? - the incumbent, because they get the taxpayers to pay for their staff and for their travel expenses. The newspapers cover them, because it is a big deal when a sitting Congressperson comes to town.
It is not nearly as big a deal when a wanna-be visits.
Incumbents, famous people and rich people are always gonna have huge advantages, and the voters sorta rightly expect the system to work for them, not be something where they have to do a bunch of work.