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Correct.

A shadow delegation is a group of unpaid officials who represent Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. D.C.’s delegation is made up of two shadow Senators and one shadow Representative, who serve six- and two-year terms respectively, just like their “unshadowed” versions.

This year, D.C. is electing one shadow Senator and its shadow Representative (see who’s running).

What do they do?
Think of shadow delegates like official advocates.

They don’t have seats in Congress, floor access, committee assignments, or votes. Their main job is to lobby Congress for statehood and advocate for constituents.

So no one actually represents D.C. in Congress?
We didn’t say that…

D.C. and the U.S.’s five territories each have a real seat-holding position in the House. U.S. House non-voting delegates have an office, a salary, and staff and can introduce legislation, speak on the floor, and vote in committee. They just can’t participate in House floor votes.

D.C.’s are elected with states’ representatives every two years.

Does my state have anything like this?
States don’t need shadows because they have the real thing: two senators and a number of representatives, all of whom can vote.

States’ Congressional delegates can hire staffers to help them serve their constituents: House members can hire up to 18 permanent staffers, and Senators can hire as many as they want.

How do shadow delegates advocate without a vote?
Good old-fashioned hobnobbing… sort of.

They meet with members of Congress, hold rallies, make media appearances, and coordinate with officials to get their message out.

Why’re they called “shadow” delegates?
It’s all thanks to Tennessee. When Tennessee wanted to be a state, the Southwest Territory sent two guys to Congress to lobby for statehood and learn the Congressional ropes before being officially granted seats.

Michigan, Iowa, California, Oregon, Minnesota, Kansas, and Alaska followed suit, sending shadow delegations to cast light on their statehood plights (spoiler alert: they all got to come out of the shadows).

D.C. created its shadow seats via state constitution and elected its first shadow delegates to fight for statehood in 1990.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Reading about real-life advocates should remind believers that we have the greatest Advocate who lobbies on our behalf. His argument is rock-solid: Jesus’s atoning sacrifice has made us clean and worthy of being in the Father’s presence.

“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father ​— ​Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.”
1 John 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Solving this week’s mini crossword. Good luck!

Whipped Cream on Top: Look at those cute ears!...

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Top News Link: A video from the bottom of the sea, where potentially the world’s oldest shipwreck was discovered.

Top Christian Perspective: A prayer to turn to when the weather’s got you worried. Download and save it here.

Top Whipped Cream: This happy lil’ fella…

What I Traded Pumpkin Candles For
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“A Prayer for Lawmakers” from TPO’s book Praying the News

Righteous Lawgiver, direct lawmakers’ steps, so they can direct a diverse country toward flourishing and goodwill and peace. Give them insight into the needs of their constituents and courage to lead in light of what they see, so they might serve out of love instead of performing for their own gain. And when they disagree on the best way forward, may they model gentleness, respect, and humility, creatively compromising to bring about the good of the public.

Thank You for those who serve their constituents with humility and skill. And thank You for our representative, Jesus, whose mediation before You doesn’t just manage our sin and make the best of brokenness—whose purifying work cleanses us from the inside out so that we stand pure and righteous before You, fit for Your coming kingdom. May we walk in obedience to the Law of Christ, in whom we live and move and have our being, and in whom we pray.

Amen.

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