So, there are things beyond party and platform I think voters should try to consider in congressional elections. The House and the Senate aren't flat. Seniority and talent will get you in committee and leadership positions where you have a lot more influence over policymaking.

If you're thinking about trying to fire your incumbent, also think about what role he/she plays in Congress and what role his/her opponent would fill. In 2018 a lot of solid moderate Republicans on powerful committees got replaced by Members with less say, less influence.

In VA-8, we're represented by a Member on the House Ways and Means Committee running against a guy who, if he won, would inevitably end up on the House Oversight and Reform Committee contributing very little to policymaking on important issues like taxes and health care and vets.

Turnover in Congress is important, but institutional knowledge about legislative process and how to cooperate with your colleagues to move the ball is really important too. The bar for serving in Congress should be incredibly high, and we voters should be pickier than party line.

There are exceptions to this approach, sure! But if you live in a purple district, would you rather be represented by a moderate on a top committee with jurisdiction over issues you care about? Or a moderate w/o legislative experience on a committee that yells more than it acts?