You can do that?

The last two days in the Salt Lake Tribune I have read articles that made me think, What? You can do that? How is that right?

The first article dealt with the campaign of Jason Chaffetz against Rep. Chris Cannon. Chaffertz lives 2 miles north of district 3, the district he is running for office in. Consequently he will be unable to vote for himself. I had no idea that you could run for Congress without actually living in the district you are campaigning for! The only requirement is that you live in the state where you are seeking office. If he ran in the district in which he lived he would be challenging a formidable Rep. Matheson. All this adds to the uphill struggle Chaffertz is already facing. It's always difficult to challenge an incumbent, and David Leavitt, the other Republican trying to unseat Chaffertz so far has been well received. Article

The second article appeared today in the Tribune. With so many politicians retiring this year, what happens to their campaign funds still stocked away in bank accounts? Well, turns out it is up to them. It can go for anything: a vacation, a new car, a condo in St. George. The remainder of the account can be used at their discretion. This year's retiring legislators have amounts ranging from $1,000-14,000 left at their leisure. Some have vowed to support future candidates with the money or other non profit causes. It seems this should be the norm, not the exception. Article