Congressional elections differ from Presidential elections in many ways, both in terms of how campaigns are conducted and in the range of issues addressed. Congressional elections often hinge on issues of state or local importance. Equally critical is the way home districts interpret congressional votes on national issues. Members of Congress must carefully balance the desires of their local constituencies with representation at the national level.
Because they are constantly campaigning, members of Congress have to balance time spent legislating in Washington with time spent interacting with their constituents in their home districts. Berryman captured this challenge in many cartoons by depicting members of Congress racing back home to explain their votes and campaign for the next election.