[mech422]

>>But if a pol is good at their job they shouldn't get pushed out; we just need to find ways so that they don't remain by inertia alone.

If you figure that one out...Let me know :-) We've had McConnell and Pelosi since the mid 80s! Inertia seems to be the main force in politics (why? I have no idea)

[mreome]

I think it has a lot to do with the two-party system. Many (most?) congressional districts are essentially locked to one party. Unless the incumbent did something egregious enough for their supporters to turn on them, why would their party not support them as their candidate? If they won by decent margin last time, they'll probably win again unless something major changed. Why make all the necessary investments to support a new candidate when it's cheaper and easier to support the incumbent? They would much rather put their money and time into the districts that might flip.

[pstuart]

Bernie is a keeper.