In fact, over 70 percent of the work force has been with the company for 15 years or more.

Such an occurrence would clearly not be in the best interest of the people, for they would be denied the ability to directly elect those who serve in our highest offices.

This outcome has, in fact, occurred three times in our history and resulted in the elections of John Quincy Adams (1824), Rutherford B. Hayes (1876), and Benjamin Harrison (1888).

The problem that needs to be addressed is the use of the frank as a campaign tool whose real 'informational' purpose is to make constituents aware of how deserving we are of reelection.

I urge all members who are interested in real campaign finance reform to carefully consider cosponsoring this bill.

I hope that the timing of this bill's introduction will only underscore the fact that the time has come to put an end to this archaic practice that we must endure every four years.

I am hopeful that our fellow members on both sides of the aisle will stand with us by cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.

Our bill will replace the complicated electoral college system with the simple method of using the popular vote to decide the winner of a presidential election.

My bill specifically targets franking abuse by cracking down on the use of mass mailings.

last year I introduced H.R. 642, a bill that ends the most pervasive abuse of the frank--sending out unsolicited, self-promotional mass mailings.

Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to reintroduce, along with Congressman Wise from West Virginia, a constitutional amendment that seeks to end the arcane and obsolete institution known as the Electoral College.

The legislation I am reintroducing would simply strike mailings of this type from the code, thereby disallowing future use of the frank for these purposes.

Clearly the national Teamsters recognized what Local 407 had long known--that Sam Theodus was an incredible, compassionate, and dignified leader.

To his wife Lillian, and his loving family, I extend my heartfelt sympathies.

I rise today to honor the memory of C. Sam Theodus. Sam was a great national labor leader and a great friend to many, particularly in the Greater Cleveland area; I am proud to count myself as having been Sam's friend.

That was the essence of his legacy, fighting for the democratic principles of improving the representation of his fellow Teamsters.

He was the top vote getter for the position of vice-president in that election.

He was dedicated to the advancement of ordinary working men and women, and he dedicated his life to improving the lot of others.