CONGRESSIONAL RECRUITMENT AND CANDIDACY

    I.    Geographical Representation

        A.    Theoretical Justification

        B.    Practical Necessity

        C.    Districting Requirements in Colorado

II.    Districting for House Seats

    A.    Malapportionment

        1.    Causes

        2.    Remedies               

            a.    Baker v. Carr (1962)

            b.    Reynolds v. Sims (1964)

            c.    Wesberry v. Sanders (1964)

    B.    Gerrymandering (The Original Gerrymander) (justiciability)

        1.    Causes

        2.    Remedies

    C.    The "Matthew Effect" (Matthew 13:12)

III.    Candidate Selection

    A.    Traditional Methods

    B.    Political Entrepreneurs

    C.    Important Elements in the Decision to Run

        1.    Likelihood of winning:  open seats v. incumbents

        2.    Establishing a Reputation & Building for the Future

        3.    Promoting a Cause

        4.    Serving the Party

IV.    Greasing the Wheels:  MONEY

    A.    The High Costs of Running

    B.    Incumbency Advantages

    C.    Source of Funds

        1. "Millionaire's Amendment" of BCRA - declared unconstitutional:  Davis v. FEC, 2008))

        2.    Individual Contributions

        3.    Political Parties Contributions

        4.    Political Action Committees (growth, chart; "heavy hitters")

    D.    Finance Regulations

        1.   Campaign Finance Reform:  2002 (critique)

        2.   Constitutional Challenges (Summary)

        3.     FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION v. WISCONSIN RIGHT TO LIFE, INC. (2007)

V.    Organization   

VI.    Party Nominations

    A.    Ballot Access Limitations (state rules)

    B.    Conventions

    C.    Primaries

Key Web Sites

Campaign Reform:  Basics

Open Secrets:  Money in Politics

Campaign Finance:   Hoover Institution

Federal Election Commission

Filling Vacancies in Congress

Analysis of Millionaire's Amendment