THE HOUSE MEMBER AS TEACHER - AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEWSLETTERS OF CONABLE,BARBER,B.

This article builds on and extends Richard F. Fenno Jr.'s theoretical framework on home style, demonstrating how one former member of Congre ss used his congressional newsletters to develop his home style. Barbe r B. Conable, Jr., a Republican congressman from western New York (196 5-1985), successfully used his congressional newsletters to develop a primary constituency at home by presenting himself to his constituents as a teacher and explaining to them his Washington and district activ ities. In so doing, Conable showed how it is possible for a member of Congress to build constituent trust and support at home by focusing on the educational responsibilities of his office. The essence of Conabl e's home style is captured with the title of this paper-''The House Me mber as Teacher.''