For the most part they are very intelligent people. Several of them have high enough IQ's to be considered genius. However, there are a few that, in my opinion, are merely party puppets that were chosen because they had a good image, etc..., but do not necessarily belong determining public policy.
As far as relying on staff, all of them rely heavily on staff. Not because they aren't smart enough to handle or comprehend the issues, but because of the volume of information surrounding each issue. A Senator's Legislative staff is comprised of several people who are responsible for knowing and researching everything there is to know in a particular issue area. For example, there will be one person in charge of Health Care policy, one person in charge of Defense, Military policy, one in charge of Tax policy, etc... Each issue is so complex that there isn't a person alive that would have the time, nor ability to be an expert in everything that the Federal Government has to deal with on a daily basis.
Also, I imagine that Sen. Landrieu would win the swimsuit competition. :-) Does anyone remember Senator Paul Simon when he ran for President in the 80's? HAHAHA, that guy wore speedos in a campaign commercial!!
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