BETHLEHEM, Pa. — In this week’s episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell begins with a blunt question: why would anyone want to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, given the dysfunction and strains of today’s Congress?
Two guests with firsthand experience — former Democratic Rep. Susan Wild and former Republican Rep. Charlie Dent — provided candid reflections on a job they once held.
Dent acknowledged the diminished stature of Congress in recent years, noting that many powers once central to the legislative branch — from taxation to war powers — have been eroded or overrun by the executive branch and the courts.
Still, he argued, “there’s still the thrill of being in Congress. It’s where the game is played … you’re on the inside of the information loop.”
His assessment was clear: the job remains exciting and impactful, even as its authority has shifted.
Wild agreed that the public’s glamorous perception of Capitol Hill is overstated. Yet she emphasized the intrinsic rewards of the job, particularly the ability to assist constituents and local organizations — a core reason she found the work worthwhile.
"There is nothing quite as rewarding as being able to help people … and to me that made it all worthwhile," she said.
At the same time, she noted a buildup of stress and frustration among members of both parties who feel they are not accomplishing as much as they set out to do.
The conversation also veered toward the nuts and bolts of modern campaigns, centering particularly on the challenges of fundraising.
Wild offered a pointed critique of the current campaign finance landscape, describing how party committees and consultants label candidates as “losers” if they fail to meet fundraising benchmarks.
She argued that this dynamic diverts candidates’ time away from connecting with voters and understanding district needs, a tension particularly visible in crowded primaries.
For aspiring Pennsylvania candidates, especially in competitive districts like PA-7, the fundraising grind can consume precious hours that might otherwise be spent learning the community, she said.
Dent also acknowledged his own experiences raising money, contrasting with today’s “eye-popping” figures. He reflected on how, in past races, outside groups rarely came to his rescue, forcing him to focus on his own campaign rather than counting on national entities.
This episode bears sharp relevance to the upcoming midterms, particularly in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, a swing seat centered in the Lehigh Valley that changed hands from Wild to Republican Ryan Mackenzie in the 2024 general election.
To watch the full episode, click on the YouTube player above.
