Legislature.NET 

I had this thought recently. Is it more important for senators and representatives in Congress to actually be in Congress, or is it more important for them to be closer to their constituents? I'm talking about telecommuting... and I wonder if Congress shouldn't look into it. We live in the 21st century, but we still have old fashioned roll calls and debates on the floor off in Washington. We spend God knows how many millions of dollars annually shuttling elected officials to and from their home states, where they have extra offices already. What for?

I say spend a few thousand dollars now to equip each of their offices with a video camera, and let them debate online. Most back room dealing is already done on the phone anyway, so nothing would be missed there. The advantage is that now congressmen and senators are closer to the people the people whom they represent. Town hall meetings could be a weekly staple. Have an issue or a complaint? You don't have to write a letter that will only be read to a staffer... now you can drive down to your congressman's office and easily tell him to his face.

Do congressmen do more in Washington than I'm imagining, such that telecommuting would be a harm, or would they be able to serve the people more effectively in their home state, rather than in Washington? Any thoughts?