About DNR
Scoring Congressional Vitality. Fueling Democratic Accountability.
Why DNR Exists
Congress is a gerontocracy. The average age is 58, with over 120 members older than 70 and 20 members over 80 years old. Some have served for 40+ years. Many represent districts so safe they face no meaningful electoral pressure. And increasingly, health concerns, cognitive decline, and stagnation are becoming impossible to ignore.
But here's the thing: age alone isn't the problem. The problem is when age combines with entrenchment, health issues, and total lack of accountability to create representatives who are fundamentally unfit to serve, but politically untouchable.
What We Do
DNR applies a rigorous Congressional Vitality Index to members over 70. We evaluate the fundamental question: Is this member still fit, effective, and accountable to serve?
Our analysis considers age, tenure, electoral vulnerability, health concerns, legislative productivity, and ethical standing. Members receive a score from 0-100 and a status: Prime, Fading, Life Support, Critical Condition, or Flatlined.
Our Mission
We identify the most vulnerable members with the lowest vitality scores. We create content that holds them accountable. We amplify challengers who represent generational change and empower citizens to take action through emails, phone calls, donations to challengers. We encourage honest conversations about who's representing us and their fitness to serve.
What This Isn't
Not ageism. We're not saying everyone over 70 should retire. We're saying that when you combine advanced age with safe districts, health concerns, decades of entrenchment, and minimal effectiveness, you have a democratic accountability crisis.
Not partisan. We score Republicans and Democrats. Gerontocracy is bipartisan.
Not cruelty. These are public servants who chose public life. They can handle scrutiny about their capacity to serve.