Congressmen Ami Bera, David Cicilline, Rodney Davis and Adam Kinzinger talk problem solving.
The Problem-Solving Voter Poll
Submitted by Collin Berglund on June 14, 2012
PSB conducted a phone poll among 1,004 registered voters in the United States. This survey fielded June 4th-June 11th, 2012. The margin of error was 3.1%.
- A majority of voters (54%) are Problem Solving Voters (PSVs), which is defined as someone who:
- When voting for national office, chooses candidates who are focused on solving problems rather than the candidates who align most closely with their party affiliation
- If a member of a political party, somewhat often or frequently votes for candidates outside of their party for national office
- 94% of Independents are Problem Solving Voters, compared to 30% of Democrats and 33% of Republicans
- Problem Solving Voters are discouraged with the current state of our country—only 29% think the country is heading in the right direction, compared to 42% of non-PSVs
- Only 16% of PSVs believe that the current leaders in Washington are able to get things done; 84% believe we ultimately need a new group of leaders who are focused on solving problems
- If the 2012 Presidential election were held today, Mitt Romney would win the PSV vote 51-49, while Barack Obama would win the non-PSV vote 52-48
- This is in contrast to the 2008 election, when Obama carried the PSV vote 48-37
- On specific issues, PSVs see Romney as more of a problem solving candidate for Tax Policy (55%), Deficit Reduction (58%), and Immigration (51%), and see Obama as more of a problem solving candidate for Healthcare (59%)
- Problem Solving Voters feel that it is very important for problem solving candidates to work with members of the opposing party to find solutions (84%)
- They also want problem solving candidates to be inventive in coming up with new ideas (71%) and to not feel bound by pledges (67%)
- PSVs are open minded with their voting decisions and less tied to party affiliation
- 33% are at least somewhat likely to change their mind between now and the 2012 election vs 15% for non-PSVs
- 38% have changed their party affiliation at some point, vs 23% of non-PSVs
PROBLEM SOLVING VOTER
Problem Solving Voter is defined as:
- When voting for national office, chooses candidates who are focused on solving problems rather than the candidates who align most closely with their party affiliation
- If a member of a political party, somewhat often or frequently votes for candidates outside of their party for national office
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
Democrats N=348 |
Republicans N=292 |
Independents N=364 |
|
Problem Solving Voter |
54 |
100 |
0 |
30 |
33 |
94 |
|
Not Problem Solving Voter |
46 |
0 |
100 |
70 |
67 |
6 |
POLITICS IN GENERAL
In general, do you believe that things in the country are headed in the right direction or are they off on the wrong track?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Right direction |
35 |
29 |
42 |
60 |
15 |
23 |
|
Wrong track |
65 |
71 |
58 |
40 |
85 |
77 |
Which of the following is closer to your view regarding candidates for national office?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
I vote for political candidates who I feel are focused on solving problems |
81 |
100 |
59 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
I vote for political candidates who align most closely with my political party |
19 |
0 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Do you consider yourself a Democrat, a Republican, or are you an Independent?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Democrat |
35 |
19 |
53 |
100 |
0 |
0 |
|
Republican |
29 |
18 |
42 |
0 |
100 |
0 |
|
Independent |
36 |
63 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
100 |
Have you ever changed your party affiliation?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Yes |
31 |
38 |
23 |
28 |
34 |
42 |
|
No |
69 |
62 |
77 |
72 |
66 |
58 |
What party did you change from?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=340 |
PS Voters N=220 |
Non-PS Voters N=120 |
PS Democrats N=26 |
PS Republicans N=41 |
PS Independents N=153 |
|
From Democrat to Republican |
34 |
21 |
59 |
11 |
68 |
13 |
|
From Democrat to Independent |
20 |
26 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
36 |
|
From Republican to Democrat |
17 |
17 |
16 |
71 |
13 |
8 |
|
From Republican to Independent |
17 |
24 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
33 |
|
From Independent to Democrat |
6 |
5 |
9 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
|
From Independent to Republican |
6 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
12 |
6 |
How often do you vote for candidates for national office from a party other than your own?
|
|
Total N=642 |
PS Voters N=199 |
Non-PS Voters N=443 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=0 |
|
Frequently |
15 |
38 |
4 |
41 |
35 |
0 |
|
Somewhat often |
22 |
62 |
4 |
59 |
65 |
0 |
|
Rarely |
35 |
0 |
51 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Never |
28 |
0 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
|
GENERAL CANDIDATE, PARTY & ISSUES PROBE
How favorable are you towards Barack Obama?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Favorable (Very + Somewhat) |
50 |
48 |
52 |
87 |
16 |
44 |
|
Unfavorable (Somewhat + Very) |
49 |
52 |
48 |
12 |
83 |
55 |
|
Very favorable |
31 |
24 |
39 |
63 |
4 |
17 |
|
Somewhat favorable |
19 |
24 |
13 |
24 |
12 |
27 |
|
Somewhat unfavorable |
11 |
14 |
8 |
4 |
25 |
14 |
|
Very unfavorable |
38 |
38 |
40 |
8 |
58 |
41 |
|
Don't know |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
How favorable are you towards Mitt Romney?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Favorable (Very + Somewhat) |
45 |
46 |
45 |
24 |
75 |
44 |
|
Unfavorable (Somewhat + Very) |
49 |
49 |
50 |
76 |
22 |
48 |
|
Very favorable |
13 |
11 |
16 |
6 |
23 |
8 |
|
Somewhat favorable |
32 |
35 |
29 |
18 |
52 |
36 |
|
Somewhat unfavorable |
20 |
23 |
16 |
30 |
14 |
24 |
|
Very unfavorable |
29 |
26 |
34 |
46 |
8 |
24 |
|
Don't know |
6 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
|
How favorable are you towards each of the following?
|
Showing Very + Somewhat Favorable Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
The Republican Party |
46 |
45 |
46 |
21 |
75 |
45 |
|
The Democratic Party |
45 |
39 |
54 |
85 |
20 |
31 |
|
The Republican leadership in Congress |
40 |
37 |
43 |
14 |
69 |
35 |
|
US Congress |
39 |
39 |
41 |
52 |
58 |
29 |
|
The Democratic leadership in Congress |
39 |
33 |
46 |
76 |
16 |
2 |
If the 2012 Presidential election were held today, for whom would you vote?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Mitt Romney |
50 |
51 |
48 |
15 |
82 |
53 |
|
Barack Obama |
50 |
49 |
52 |
85 |
18 |
4 |
For which party’s candidate are you more likely to vote for in this fall’s Congressional elections?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Democratic |
39 |
31 |
49 |
76 |
6 |
24 |
|
Republican |
36 |
32 |
39 |
10 |
77 |
27 |
|
Independent |
18 |
26 |
8 |
3 |
7 |
39 |
|
Other |
8 |
11 |
5 |
11 |
10 |
1 |
How likely are you to change your mind between now and the election?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Very likely |
4 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
|
Somewhat likely |
21 |
28 |
12 |
18 |
33 |
30 |
|
Not very likely |
29 |
29 |
30 |
33 |
25 |
28 |
|
Not at all likely |
46 |
38 |
56 |
47 |
40 |
3 |
In 2008, for whom did you vote for President?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden |
49 |
48 |
50 |
83 |
17 |
47 |
|
Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin |
38 |
37 |
40 |
12 |
79 |
33 |
|
Green Party candidates Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Did not vote |
9 |
10 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
15 |
|
Other |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
For which party’s candidate did you vote for in the last Congressional elections in 2008?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Democratic |
42 |
36 |
50 |
75 |
10 |
32 |
|
Republican |
39 |
37 |
41 |
11 |
77 |
35 |
|
Other |
14 |
19 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
24 |
|
I voted for different parties for House & Senate |
5 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
|
WASHINGTON
Who do you believe is to blame for gridlock in Washington (inability for Congress to agree on a budget, etc.)?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Republicans |
24 |
24 |
25 |
48 |
15 |
19 |
|
Republicans in Congress |
21 |
21 |
22 |
33 |
5 |
21 |
|
The President |
18 |
18 |
17 |
3 |
29 |
20 |
|
Democrats in Congress |
16 |
15 |
17 |
1 |
29 |
16 |
|
Democrats |
14 |
15 |
13 |
8 |
18 |
16 |
|
I believe everything is getting done in Washington |
7 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
4 |
|
Which of the following is closer to your view?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
The best way to ensure that things get done in Washington would be to elect a new group of leadership that is committed to solving problems |
77 |
82 |
72 |
64 |
84 |
86 |
|
The best way to ensure that things get done in Washington would be a shift in which political party is in power |
23 |
18 |
28 |
36 |
16 |
1 |
Which of the following is closer to your view?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
I believe that ultimately we need a new group of leaders who are focused on solving problems |
79 |
84 |
74 |
57 |
97 |
88 |
|
I believe that the current leaders in Washington are able to get things done |
21 |
16 |
26 |
43 |
3 |
1 |
Which of the following is closer to your view?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
The criteria have changed, and more voters are now looking across party lines to find candidates who are focused on solving problems |
53 |
60 |
46 |
56 |
72 |
57 |
|
The criteria for choosing candidates remains the same as it always has been and most voters still pick the candidate that falls within their own party |
47 |
40 |
54 |
44 |
28 |
4 |
Many members of Congress have taken a pledge not to raise taxes under any circumstances. Do you believe this has hurt or helped Congress’s ability to solve problems?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
I believe that the pledge has hurt Congress’s ability to solve problems |
68 |
67 |
69 |
66 |
68 |
68 |
|
I believe that the pledge has helped Congress’s ability to solve problems |
32 |
33 |
31 |
34 |
32 |
3 |
Many members of Congress have taken a pledge not to raise taxes under any circumstances. Do you believe this has hurt or helped Congress’s ability to solve problems?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
I believe that the pledge has hurt Congress’s ability to solve problems |
77 |
76 |
78 |
68 |
84 |
76 |
|
I believe that the pledge has helped Congress’s ability to solve problems |
23 |
24 |
22 |
32 |
16 |
2 |
PROBLEM SOLVING CANDIDATE DRILLDOWN
In casting your vote in the 2012 election, are you looking for someone who best represents your party or someone who solves problems regardless of party?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Someone who solves problems regardless of party |
82 |
91 |
71 |
80 |
93 |
93 |
|
Someone who best represents my party |
18 |
9 |
29 |
20 |
7 |
|
How important are each of the following qualities to you in defining what a problem solving candidate needs to do?
|
Showing Very Important Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Willing to work with those from the other party direct to try to find solutions |
80 |
84 |
76 |
90 |
87 |
82 |
|
Has a strong grasp of policy and is inventive in coming up with new ideas |
71 |
71 |
71 |
73 |
72 |
70 |
|
Does not feel bound by pledges, but willing to look beyond them when necessary to solve a problem |
65 |
67 |
63 |
65 |
58 |
70 |
|
Willing to go publicly against own party on some issues |
59 |
65 |
50 |
58 |
69 |
67 |
|
Willing to back unconventional solutions to problems |
54 |
54 |
53 |
54 |
50 |
5 |
Do you think Washington can produce a problem-solving mentality or does that really need to come from outside of Washington?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
A problem-solving mentality needs to come from outside of Washington |
62 |
67 |
57 |
50 |
67 |
73 |
|
Washington can produce a problem-solving mentality |
38 |
33 |
43 |
50 |
33 |
2 |
Which of the two Presidential candidates do you believe is more focused on solving problems in general rather than aligning with their political party?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Mitt Romney |
49 |
50 |
48 |
21 |
78 |
52 |
|
Barack Obama |
51 |
50 |
52 |
79 |
22 |
4 |
Which candidate do you believe is more focused on solving problems regarding tax policy rather than aligning with their political party?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Mitt Romney |
53 |
55 |
52 |
19 |
82 |
58 |
|
Barack Obama |
47 |
45 |
48 |
81 |
18 |
4 |
Which candidate do you believe is more focused on solving problems regarding immigration rather than aligning with their political party?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Mitt Romney |
47 |
51 |
43 |
23 |
70 |
55 |
|
Barack Obama |
53 |
49 |
57 |
77 |
30 |
4 |
Which candidate do you believe is more focused on solving problems regarding the budget deficit rather than aligning with their political party?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Mitt Romney |
55 |
58 |
51 |
28 |
85 |
59 |
|
Barack Obama |
45 |
42 |
49 |
72 |
15 |
4 |
Which candidate do you believe is more focused on solving problems regarding healthcare rather than aligning with their political party?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Mitt Romney |
41 |
41 |
42 |
11 |
60 |
45 |
|
Barack Obama |
59 |
59 |
58 |
89 |
40 |
5 |
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
The United States hasn’t had a Constitutional Convention since 1787. Which is closer to your view about the idea of holding modern-day Constitutional Convention?
|
Ranked by Total |
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Holding a Constitutional Convention now would just create more problems for our country |
54 |
55 |
53 |
47 |
58 |
56 |
|
Holding a Constitutional Convention now would help our nation resolve some of its differences |
46 |
45 |
47 |
53 |
42 |
4 |
Demographics
Region
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Northeast |
19 |
18 |
20 |
17 |
19 |
19 |
|
Midwest |
24 |
28 |
20 |
24 |
21 |
30 |
|
South |
37 |
36 |
38 |
34 |
32 |
38 |
|
West |
19 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
27 |
1 |
Gender
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Male |
47 |
49 |
44 |
38 |
50 |
53 |
|
Female |
53 |
51 |
56 |
62 |
50 |
4 |
Please indicate which of the following best represents your age.
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
18-20 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
21-24 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
|
25-29 |
7 |
6 |
9 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
|
30-34 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
|
35-39 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
15 |
6 |
8 |
|
40-44 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
15 |
10 |
7 |
|
45-49 |
10 |
9 |
11 |
4 |
13 |
10 |
|
50-54 |
10 |
11 |
9 |
13 |
9 |
11 |
|
55-59 |
10 |
11 |
9 |
7 |
11 |
12 |
|
60-64 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
|
65-69 |
6 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
7 |
|
70-74 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
75+ |
9 |
7 |
11 |
9 |
11 |
|
What is the last grade in school you completed?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Less than high school |
5 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
|
High school graduate |
22 |
21 |
23 |
34 |
19 |
18 |
|
Some college |
25 |
26 |
23 |
20 |
31 |
27 |
|
College graduate (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree) |
33 |
31 |
34 |
25 |
34 |
33 |
|
Graduate school |
15 |
16 |
14 |
20 |
14 |
1 |
Which of the following best describes your ethnic or racial background or heritage?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
White, Caucasian, European, European-American |
76 |
75 |
78 |
58 |
80 |
78 |
|
Black, African-American, Caribbean, African, Caribbean-American |
10 |
9 |
12 |
20 |
1 |
7 |
|
Hispanic, Latino, Latin American |
8 |
10 |
6 |
18 |
10 |
7 |
|
Asian-American, Asian, Pacific Islander |
3 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
3 |
|
Other |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Do you consider yourself liberal, centrist, or conservative?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Liberal |
29 |
25 |
34 |
41 |
15 |
22 |
|
Centrist |
17 |
21 |
12 |
14 |
12 |
26 |
|
Conservative |
49 |
49 |
49 |
43 |
70 |
44 |
|
Don't know |
5 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
|
For statistical purposes only, we need to know your total family income for 2011. Will you please tell me which of the following categories best represents your total family income?
|
|
Total N=1004 |
PS Voters N=537 |
Non-PS Voters N=467 |
PS Democrats N=99 |
PS Republicans N=100 |
PS Independents N=338 |
|
Less than $20,000 |
13 |
13 |
14 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
|
$20,000-$34,999 |
13 |
14 |
12 |
20 |
13 |
13 |
|
$35,000-$49,999 |
15 |
16 |
14 |
19 |
11 |
16 |
|
$50,000-$74,999 |
16 |
17 |
16 |
13 |
20 |
17 |
|
$75,000-$99,999 |
14 |
12 |
16 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
|
$100,000-$150,000 |
12 |
12 |
13 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
|
$150,000+ |
8 |
10 |
6 |
9 |
14 |
9 |
|
Don't know/refused |
8 |
7 |
9 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
METHODOLOGY
PSB conducted a phone poll among 1,004 registered voters in the United States. This survey fielded June 4th-June 11th, 2012. The margin of error was 3.1%.
Random Digit Dialing (RDD) telephone samples were used to survey a representative sample of the US voting population.
- Penn, Schoen & Berland used the Genesys system to produce RDD numbers for US dialing.
- Area codes and exchanges were determined for an area based on various geographic or demographic criteria.
- After this, the final 4 digits of the phone number were randomly created.
- Demographics were based on US Census data and PRIZM cluster categorization, updated quarterly along with geographic exchange information.
- Cell phone only exchanges were excluded from the generation since they don’t follow regular geographic regulations. Removing these does not significantly affect results.
In analyzing the survey data we employed statistical weighting techniques to compensate for any remaining variance from demographic or other targeted sampling parameters since RDD calls cannot be highly targeted based on demographic variables
12 Ways to Make Congress Work!
- 1. No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget and all annual spending bills on time, members of Congress should not get paid.
- 2. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
All presidential nominations should be confirmed or rejected within 90 days of the nomination.
- 3. Fix the Filibuster
Require real (not virtual) filibusters and end filibusters on motions to proceed.
- 4. Empower the Sensible Majority
Allow a bipartisan majority of members to override a leader or committee chair’s refusal to bring a bill to the floor.
- 5. Make Members Come to Work
Make Congress work on coordinated schedules with three five-day work weeks a month in DC and one week in their home district.
- 6. Question Time for the President
Provide a monthly forum for members of Congress to ask the president questions to force leaders to debate one another and defend their ideas.
- 7. Fiscal Report to Congress
A nonpartisan leader should deliver an annual, televised fiscal update in-person to a joint session of Congress to ensure everyone is working off the same facts.
- 8. No Pledge but the Oath of Office
Members should make no pledge but the pledge of allegiance and their formal oath of office.
- 9. Monthly Bipartisan Gatherings
The House and Senate should institute monthly, off-the-record and bipartisan gatherings to get members talking across party lines.
- 10. Bipartisan Seating
At all joint meetings or sessions of Congress, each member should be seated next to at least one member of the other party.
- 11. Bipartisan Leadership Committee
Congressional party leaders should form a bipartisan congressional leadership committee to discuss legislative agendas and substantive solutions.
- 12. No Negative Campaigns Against Incumbents
Incumbents from one party should not conduct negative campaigns against sitting members of the opposing party.
- 1. No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget and all annual spending bills on time, members of Congress should not get paid.
- 2. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
All presidential nominations should be confirmed or rejected within 90 days of the nomination.
- 3. Fix the Filibuster
Require real (not virtual) filibusters and end filibusters on motions to proceed.
- 4. Empower the Sensible Majority
Allow a bipartisan majority of members to override a leader or committee chair’s refusal to bring a bill to the floor.
- 5. Make Members Come to Work
Make Congress work on coordinated schedules with three five-day work weeks a month in DC and one week in their home district.
- 6. Question Time for the President
Provide a monthly forum for members of Congress to ask the president questions to force leaders to debate one another and defend their ideas.
- 7. Fiscal Report to Congress
A nonpartisan leader should deliver an annual, televised fiscal update in-person to a joint session of Congress to ensure everyone is working off the same facts.
- 8. No Pledge but the Oath of Office
Members should make no pledge but the pledge of allegiance and their formal oath of office.
- 9. Monthly Bipartisan Gatherings
The House and Senate should institute monthly, off-the-record and bipartisan gatherings to get members talking across party lines.
- 10. Bipartisan Seating
At all joint meetings or sessions of Congress, each member should be seated next to at least one member of the other party.
- 11. Bipartisan Leadership Committee
Congressional party leaders should form a bipartisan congressional leadership committee to discuss legislative agendas and substantive solutions.
- 12. No Negative Campaigns Against Incumbents
Incumbents from one party should not conduct negative campaigns against sitting members of the opposing party.
- 1. No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget and all annual spending bills on time, members of Congress should not get paid.
- 2. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
All presidential nominations should be confirmed or rejected within 90 days of the nomination.
- 3. Fix the Filibuster
Require real (not virtual) filibusters and end filibusters on motions to proceed.
- 4. Empower the Sensible Majority
Allow a bipartisan majority of members to override a leader or committee chair’s refusal to bring a bill to the floor.
- 5. Make Members Come to Work
Make Congress work on coordinated schedules with three five-day work weeks a month in DC and one week in their home district.
- 6. Question Time for the President
Provide a monthly forum for members of Congress to ask the president questions to force leaders to debate one another and defend their ideas.
- 7. Fiscal Report to Congress
A nonpartisan leader should deliver an annual, televised fiscal update in-person to a joint session of Congress to ensure everyone is working off the same facts.
- 8. No Pledge but the Oath of Office
Members should make no pledge but the pledge of allegiance and their formal oath of office.
- 9. Monthly Bipartisan Gatherings
The House and Senate should institute monthly, off-the-record and bipartisan gatherings to get members talking across party lines.
- 10. Bipartisan Seating
At all joint meetings or sessions of Congress, each member should be seated next to at least one member of the other party.
- 11. Bipartisan Leadership Committee
Congressional party leaders should form a bipartisan congressional leadership committee to discuss legislative agendas and substantive solutions.
- 12. No Negative Campaigns Against Incumbents
Incumbents from one party should not conduct negative campaigns against sitting members of the opposing party.
11 Ways to Make the Presidency Work!
- 1. Regular News Conferences for the President
- 2. Fast-Track Legislative Authority for The President
- 3. Make The Parties Pay for Presidential Fundraising
- 4. A Line Item Veto With A Twist
- 5. Reduce the Number of Appointees Subject to Senate Confirmation
- 6. Identify a "Slate That Can't Wait" of Critical Nominees For Expedited Confirmation
- 7. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
- 8. Question Time for The President
- 9. Expanded Presidential Power to Reorganize
- 10. Different Opinions, But the Same Facts
- 11. Regular Meetings Between the President And Congressional Leadership
- 1. Regular News Conferences for the President
- 2. Fast-Track Legislative Authority for The President
- 3. Make The Parties Pay for Presidential Fundraising
- 4. A Line Item Veto With A Twist
- 5. Reduce the Number of Appointees Subject to Senate Confirmation
- 6. Identify a "Slate That Can't Wait" of Critical Nominees For Expedited Confirmation
- 7. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointment
- 8. Question Time for The President
- 9. Expanded Presidential Power to Reorganize
- 10. Different Opinions, But the Same Facts
- 11. Regular Meetings Between the President And Congressional Leadership
- 1. Regular News Conferences for the President
- 2. Fast-Track Legislative Authority for The President
- 3. Make The Parties Pay for Presidential Fundraising
- 4. A Line Item Veto With A Twist
- 5. Reduce the Number of Appointees Subject to Senate Confirmation
- 6. Identify a "Slate That Can't Wait" of Critical Nominees For Expedited Confirmation
- 7. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointment
- 8. Question Time for The President
- 9. Expanded Presidential Power to Reorganize
- 10. Different Opinions, But the Same Facts
- 11. Regular Meetings Between the President And Congressional Leadership
Problem-Solver's Daily: A Quick Email Digest for Problem-Solvers
In today's Problem-Solver's Daily, the debt ceiling showdown in 2011 cost $1.3 billion, the gang of eight's immigration bill is close to coming to the Senate floor and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick joins the Problem Solvers.
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