bruce...it is hard to make a single simple statement about what the responsibilities of the elected representatives are.

Yes, they are sent to 'represent' the voters, and to a certain extent, do what the voters want. But since not all the voters who voted for them will agree on every issues, and don't even understand every issue (as in this case), members of Congress are also expected to be able to sort out things and use common sense to figure out what is best.

It may be in certain cases, that the 'best' thing to do may be at odds with a majority of their constituents...(something that reflects the national interest rather than local interests of the 3rd district of "your state's name here")...what is the proper think to do then?

   Sadly, most elected officials will vote the way that they consider will most likely get them re-elected. That is happening a lot in this vote. I saw an analysis that said that most of the vote against the bailout were from representatives who were most concerned about their chance for re-election - they did not want to be on record as voting FOR a bill that might not work.

   Whatever the reasoning, it ain't an easy choice.