2012 is an important year for elections, federal and local. Presidential candidates from the Republican party are working hard to win the nomination, while incumbents from Virginia (and other states) are trying hard to keep their seats. But do people really care about local elections as much as they care about presidential elections?

Bob Goodlatte’s press secretary, Kathryn Rexrode, also has some good insight on local politics. She has worked with the congressman to make sure that he’s accessible to the public.

“As the Congressman’s press secretary I serve as a liaison between Congressman Goodlatte and the media. It is my job to ensure that his message gets out to his constituents through our local media,”  Rexrode said.

But being a congressman is not as easy in terms of being in the spotlight. Many people don’t know their congressmen well, nor do they find local politics as important, or relevant to their lives as they find politics on the national level. Keeping constituents, or the people represented by a certain office holder, interested and connected to their local officials takes effort.

“[Congressman Goodlatte] is constantly traveling throughout the district. He and his staff regularly meet with constituents, speak to organizations, tour facilities and respond to constituents’ questions and concerns,” Rexrode said.

Rexrode also finds that a congressman’s effect on his/her constituents is much greater than a president’s would be in many aspects, and that they are the bridge between citizens and the federal government.

“A Congressman serves as the voice of his constituents in Congress. In addition to casting votes on the important issues of the day, a Congressman is an important resource for folks who need assistance with the federal government. ” Rexrode explained. “He or she can advocate on behalf of their constituents regarding any problems they might be having with the federal government.”

Accessibilty is also an issue when it comes to the federal government. Not all citizens have the opportunity to personally contact the president, but anyone can easily contact their local official by emailing them or even calling directly to their office.

“A Congressman is far more accessible than the President. For example, Congressman Goodlatte has four offices located in various parts of the 6th District. He is constantly traveling throughout the district. He and his staff regularly meet with constituents, speak to organizations, tour facilities and respond to constituents questions and concerns. Folks from across the district can reach him by simply calling, writing, or emailing him,” Rexrode said.

Congressman Goodlatte, and other congressman across the country try hard to keep in touch with their constituents. This helps the officials keep connected with their district so that they could easily be reelected. It’s especially easy for incumbent officials to get reelected because they already have the name recognition and the money needed to run a local campaign. Congressman Goodlatte creates a relationship with his constituents as well, so that people know his views and are able to pose him any questions or concerns that they might have.

“Congressman Goodlatte and his staff are easily accessible. He welcomes his constitutions questions, thoughts or comments on the important issues facing our nation. For example, he regularly holds telephone town meetings to hear directly from his constituents and to allow them to hear directly from him,” Rexrode said.

Although many people are not as interested in local politics as they are in their federal politics, local officials, like Virginia’s sixth district representative Bob Goodlatte, tries his best to keep in touch with his voters. Local politics doesn’t only affect the district of the constituents, but also helps build a bridge between citizens and their federal government.