R. Herrick et Dl. Nixon, IS THERE LIFE AFTER CONGRESS - PATTERNS AND DETERMINANTS OF POST-CONGRESSIONAL CAREERS, Legislative studies quarterly, 21(4), 1996, pp. 489-499
Little is known about the political activities of former members of Co
ngress. Political pundits, journalists, and theories concerning subgov
ernment politics suggest former members have lucrative jobs with eithe
r bureaucracies or interest groups, but there is little confirmation o
f this. In this note we examine the post-congressional occupations of
House members who retired between 1971 and 1992 and find that former m
embers of Congress pursue a wide variety of careers. While many work f
or the government or interest groups, former members are more likely t
o leave career politics. Additionally, much of the variation in member
s' post-congressional careers can be explained by their interests and
opportunities. Members who express interest in remaining politically a
ctive or see career opportunities in politics outside of Congress are
likely to find jobs with the government or with interest groups. Conve
rsely, members who are ill or have reached retirement age are likely t
o leave politics.