IS THERE LIFE AFTER CONGRESS - PATTERNS AND DETERMINANTS OF POST-CONGRESSIONAL CAREERS

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.