What makes an effective legislator? Opinions appreciated.

[chrisinhouston]

I'm in the process of writing another letter to the editor about my stupid congressman, Ted Poe and want to start with the premise of "What makes an effective legislator?" But it could relate to US Congressmen, Senators or other forms of demoratically elected politicians such as members of Parliament, etc.

I began to think back to politicians over the years that I would have labeled as effective and why and came up with some attributes:

1. Represents his or her constituents and not solely the party they belong to. In reality most districts are drawn for political reasons and gain but most also represent members of all political parties to some degree.
2. Is active in their job, they show up and are contributing members of committees and cast votes. They meet with constituents of all types back home. They don't fondle kids working in Washington, etc.
3. They work for the betterment of the nation, not just on getting their party ahead, and they work on at least some legislation with the members of the other party.
4. The work for the betterment of their district where possible, whether bringing available federal dollars back where possible but also on issues that effect their constituency and improve their district.
5. They actually sponsor and co-sponsor some bills that get passed or have a hell's chance of passing.