Why would anyone want to run for Congress? Why are several state senators and representatives thinking about giving up their mostly secure seats to leave Maine and go to Washington, D.C.? The answer may surprise you. Then again, it might not.
Mike Michaud is leaving Congress after 12 years to run for governor, thereby providing the rare opportunity for those who have been waiting patiently to run for an “open” congressional seat, i.e., no incumbent seeking re-election. Why do so many wait for an “open” seat? Congressional incumbents win re-election more than 90 percent of the time.
After reading this column, I suspect it will become as obvious as the 555-foot-high Washington Monument why so many Maine legislators are eagerly willing to take the risk and trade their view of the beautiful Kennebec River in Augusta for a seat overlooking the (not-so-clean) Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
Let’s pull back the curtain and take a peek at some of the biggest attractions to being in Congress. It pretty much boils down to the money, the perks and, the longer you stay, considerable power. Oh, and it’s pretty neat to be called a Congressman or Congresswoman when mingling among the people back home. Having to live near the Potomac River, which in 2007 received a D-plus rating because of its toxicants, sewage and unique odor, can’t be that bad.
I’ve learned over the years that it’s common for people to confuse Maine legislators in a variety of ways with those who serve in Congress. One of the biggest misconceptions is the annual salary paid to members of the two different bodies. Most people mistakenly think the pay is comparable; however, the differences are staggering.
The average pay for each member of Congress is $174,000 annually, as compared to Maine legislators, who are paid $13,852 for the first year of the two-year legislative session and $9,661 for the second year.
The two-year totals in salaries look like this: Maine legislative pay – $23,521; congressional pay – $348,000. Hmmm, that Potomac is starting to smell better.
Now let’s compare some of the perks. Maine legislators get $38 per day for housing (if they live too far to drive home every night) or for mileage and tolls if they travel daily. Also, each legislator gets $32 per day for meals for a total of $70 per day. The other perks provided to legislators include a small amount of money for constituent services and participation in the state pension and health insurance programs. However, since most do not serve longer than eight years, that benefit is minimal.
Perks for those in Congress total up to just a tad more. According to a report in the Money Morning publication written by David Zetler, each U.S. House member is given $1.52 million – that’s right, million – per year for office equipment, office space, travel, staff, etc. Just for giggles, multiply that times 435 House members for a better perspective. U.S. senators get even more – $4.2 million (multiply times 100 members) – for the same types of expenses, but with statewide jurisdictions.
That’s not all. Congressional pensions are very attractive, according to Zetler. Members can retire after 20 years with a lifetime annual pension of $59,160. Oh, there’s also a 401K-style retirement fund that matches 5 percent of contributions and they also get full Social Security benefits. Eligibility for congressional retirement is based on a formula, but at age 62 and having just five years of service guarantees full retirement benefits. That means in the case of representatives who are elected to two-year terms, they would need to get elected only three times to qualify. In the case of senators, who are elected to six-year terms, they would need to be elected only once to qualify for full benefits.
In addition, everyone in Congress receives free outpatient care at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. Zetler also points out that members pay about 28 percent of their health insurance premium.
There are other congressional perks, like “franking” privileges providing free postage for all mailings, gym memberships at reduced costs, living expenses and many more to numerous to mention.
That Potomac River? What smell?
Now for the clincher. According to the 2013 Congressional Calendar, Congress is scheduled to work 126 days this year. Not exactly burning the midnight oil. In all fairness, there are more requirements to the job than the days they work in the Capitol, such as attending events, campaigning, etc., in their home districts, but still, the average congressional workweek is 2.5 days.
No surprise that the list of potential candidates for the open seat is growing every day. No fewer than six Democrats and a like number of Republicans, plus at least two independents, are rumored to be sticking their toes in the Potomac to test the water.
And why not? That Potomac River is just beautiful.
Bill Diamond of Windham served as District 12’s senator from 2004-2012, and is also a former Maine secretary of state.
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