Policy Radio | Moderates in a Polarized Congress: A Conversation with Reps. Davis and Kelly

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According to a recent report by the American Political Science Association, polarization in Congress has been rising steadily for the past 40 years, and is now higher than at any time since the early 20th century. Opinions vary greatly on the root cause of political polarization. A few of the frequently cited suspects include the media, gerrymandering, money in politics, party realignment, stronger party leadership, and declining US prosperity.

To learn about the causes of polarization directly from those who worked in a polarized Congress, CPR Staff Writer Aaron Rosenberg spoke with former Representatives Sue Kelly (R-NY-19) and Lincoln Davis (D-TN-4). Both are moderates who represented marginal districts: Rep. Kelly is a moderate, pro-choice Republican, who served from 1995 until she was unseated by a Democrat in the wave election of 2006; Rep. Davis is a moderate, pro-life Democrat, who served from 2003 until he was unseated by a Republican in the wave election of 2010.

In today’s podcast, the representatives discuss the following topics:

“I believe some of the best Congressmen that we’ve had, and that we have today in Congress, are from marginal seats. Because you really have to work harder and become more informed about the issues and know the heart and soul of those you represent.” –Rep. Lincoln Davis

“The problem is when you go against your party and the party structure goes after you. That is one of the things that has helped to drive apart the parties on Capitol Hill.” –Rep. Sue Kelly

“These people on the outside, who are strongly partisan, are hot on the issues. Moderates are cool. They represent the cooling center of what it means to be in Congress. It’s the hardest work—being a moderate and working with the other side.” –Rep. Sue Kelly

“The major pieces of legislation that passed—whether it was health care, whether it was energy, whether it was TARP, whether it was the Recovery Act—were all made better by centrists in Congress. We don’t have centrists today.” –Rep. Lincoln Davis

The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Feature Photo: cc/(vgm8383)