Common Cents: A Retiring Six-Term Congressman Reveals How Congress Really Works-- And What We Must Do to Fix It

Former Minnesota Congressman Penny, who retired in 1994, believes that Congress is gridlocked by fear of voter disapproval, partisan bickering, special-interest groups and the concentration of power in the hands of a few elite lawmakers. In a rousing citizen's guide to political empowerment, the former Democratic representative urges voters to support legislators who will overhaul the system. He calls for a great reduction of the federal deficit, partly through cuts in Social Security, Medicare, veterans' and other entitlement benefits. The core of this first-person narrative, coauthored with Washington Times reporter Garrett, is an anecdotal account of congressional power plays, wasteful spending and pork-barrel deals. Penny, now a spokesperson for the Concord Coalition, which favors deficit reduction, sets forth a modest package of sensible reforms. Among his proposals: Abolish automatic annual spending increases for every federal program; limit committee chairpersonships to four- or six-year terms; make campaigns more competitive by imposing rigid limits on candidates' spending. (Apr.)