It is really crucial that folks focus on their own representatives. If you call or write a member who does not represent you, I can tell you that contact is going to be a waste of time. You might as well just talk to yourself in your living room.

I really do not think there is a serious split between Republicans and Democrats in Congress in how responsive they are to constituents.

When someone is running for reelection in Texas, they're not looking for votes in California or New York.

The bottom line is that every single member of Congress has to get voted into office every two or six years. That means they need to look really good in their home district and state. That means good local press. That means people in their district thinking, "Man, I really don't like Congress, but I like Senator Bob."

If people don't get as engaged as the tea party was, we're going to lose.

Stiffening the spine of progressive members of Congress is crucial.

You have to be local. You have to focus on your local members of Congress.