Larry L wrote:
I called both 'my' senators about the Pombo 'mining' crap in the house
version of the budget, asking that they make sure that it doesn't make it to
the final version. Both were interested and co-operative.

Then, for the hell of it, I tried calling a few senators in states where I
spend lots of time, and money but don't have a residence, to express the
same opinions. Uniformly I was told that unless I owned property in the
state my opinion wasn't worth squat ( although this was usually politely
worded ;-)

It's not "owning property" that's supposed to count. It's being
registered, or at least eligible to vote.

BTW, when you called your senators, who I assume are Boxer and
Feinstein, your opinion wasn't worth squat, either. Fortunately, they
probably agree with your position anyway.

I guess this is as it 'should' be ... each elected official
representing only his own constituents ... but nonetheless, I'd think that
in places like Montana and Idaho the views of 'summer residents' would be of
interest ... they are a big economic factor.

I can't speak for Montana, but I know from experience that in Idaho the
views of "summer residents," especially those with California tags, are
worth negative squat.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.