Representation and the "Presentation of Self"

Richard Fenno argued that there are three important impressions that a representative must establish with their constitutents:
  1. Qualification
    • "I understand the job and I have the experience necessary to do a good job."
    • threshhold impression

  2. Identification
    • "I'm one of you"

  3. Empathy
    • "I understand your situation and I care about it."
Source:  Fenno, Richard F. 1978.  Homestyle. New York: HarperCollins