Monumental political shifts and realignments do not happen too often. When they do occur, heads quickly turn.

Last week's general election resulted in one of the largest political shifts in recent memory.

The Republican Party took control of both the U.S. Senate and House. A shift of this magnitude had not occurred since the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower.

One thing was clear last Tuesday; the American voters – both Republicans and Democrats – cast their ballots as a way of sending a message to Washington, D.C., and the state legislatures they are unhappy with the current political climate.

This election provides a unique opportunity for our elected officials and our federal government to begin conducting business in such a way that is responsive to the wishes, desires and needs of the voters and constituents.

A change in the political process is warranted, particularly when public opinion and support for elected officials and our political process remains at an all-time low. Gone are the days when parents hoped and prayed their children would one day enter a life of public service.

Last week's election is an indicator our representatives must begin to work together, despite political, ideological and personal differences. By doing so, those in office might be able to rehabilitate a life of public service to the noble calling Aristotle considered it to be.

It's also time for those elected to think beyond their own self-interests and job security.

Political scientist David R. Mayhew, in his classic work titled "Congress: The Electoral Connection," summed it up perfectly.

"United States Congressmen are interested in getting reelected – indeed, in their role here as abstractions, interested in nothing else ... It seems fair to characterize the modern Congress as an assembly of professional politicians spinning out political careers."

Since Mayhew's book was published in 1974, not much has changed, up until this election cycle.

Last Tuesday we witnessed a different breed of Republican candidates political analysts say are more appealing to their party base and the public at large. Additionally, a record number of U.S. military veterans ran and were elected to office. What a way to usher in Veterans Day.

So, what exactly did last Tuesday teach us?

American voters are unhappy with President Barack Obama's policies and governing style. This was shown not only by Republicans getting out the vote in larger than usual numbers, but also traditional socioeconomic groups who previously voted Democrat either not showing up at the polls to vote or casting non-Democrat ballots.

The message sent through the ballot was clear: Obama and Congress must work as one. They – and we – need to stop blaming one particular person and party.

Also, our political leaders must begin representing the interests of the people living in their districts.

Perhaps that person is a single mother, struggling to survive. She wants the chance to move beyond merely surviving into the realm of thriving.

Or, maybe that person is a business owner who can no longer sustain the current tax rate. He or she needs some sort of relief in order to continue to provide a product or service to customers.

Maybe the person in their district supports or does not support the Affordable Care Act. Regardless, Congress needs to cast votes based on their district's needs and also the needs of the country as a whole.

And, maybe the voters want the current immigration system reformed. Maybe they want asylum or feel we should close our borders. Our political leaders need and must provide that person a voice and vote on the Hill.

Obama also must learn the political art of compromise. Like President Bill Clinton did during his term in office, Obama must begin to comb through Republican legislation and look for areas that may and can work.

I understand these policy issues – among many others – are not easy to address initially. Issues that dominate our country and world are complex and often overlapping. However, no one said the job of a public official would be easy.

Those elected, first and foremost, are servants of the people. Each person elected to office should begin the new year in 2015 with a resolution to cross the political aisle and attempt to create and pass legislation for all Americans.

Not legislation for Republicans or Democrats, but for all citizens of America, voters and nonvoters alike.

In the process, our political leaders will play a key role in restoring America to its former grandeur and resurrecting their role as respected political public servants.

Also, with a new group of Republicans elected and a limited time frame in which Obama can rehabilitate his presidential legacy, perhaps our government can begin working in a much more productive manner.

Otherwise, the consequences can and will be harmful to political discourse and the passage of legislation, resulting in far more gridlock.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press