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Alex Theodoridis, political science and co-director of the UMass Amherst Poll, recently appeared on the Science of Politics podcast to discuss the recent UMass Amherst Poll of former members of congress. The poll, conducted in late 2023, surveyed almost 300 Former Members of Congress on their perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. The results indicated a rising concern about threats of political violence, concern for the state of democracy in the U.S., disappointment with how the government is currently functioning, and an increase in personal threats to those who have served in the Congress. 

"Members, more than half of them say that during their time in office or their family received threats, a lot of them say their staff received threats," says Theodoridis. "Those numbers are increasing over time based on when they served. And sadly, the numbers are much higher for women, African-Americans, and Latinos." 

 

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