Elected representatives are the public face of Congressional politics. They meet with constituents and fellow politicians, give interviews, lobby for legislation and participate in political debates. However, senators and representatives couldn’t do their jobs properly without the work of legislative aides.
Legislative aides are the gears that keep the political machine running properly. Many individuals who are interested in a political career get their start as legislative aides. Some are “lifers” who become part of the core staff that works with one particular elected official, even as he or she moves from office to office. Alternatively, some aides may work for multiple elected officials over the course of a long career.