Free Republic

<p>WASHINGTON — For those who enjoy witnessing the formation of political cliches nothing matches being in Washington right after an election. Partisan theorists lay down their interpretations like wet cement and hope that they harden into the conventional wisdom.</p> <p>The Incumbent Protection Racket: The economy may be in the doldrums, but Congress has become virtually a layoff-free zone. Only eight of the 389 House incumbents who sought re-election were defeated, and half of those ran against other incumbents because of redistricting. Politicians crave job security, but a system built around safe seats deprives most voters of a meaningful choice.</p>