These are the 12 members of the Congressional “super committee” charged with finding $1.5 trillion in debt savings over the next ten years. They are:

Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas (Republican and committee co-chair), Sen. Patty Murray of Washington (Democrat and committee co-chair), Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland (D), Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona (R), Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts (D), Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania (R), Sen. Max Baucus of Montana (D), Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio), Rep. Xavier Becerra of California (D), Rep. Dave Camp of Michigan (R), Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina (D), and Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan (R).

This is the memo I plan on sending each one:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Time is running out.

The choices you face are difficult. The budget reductions that must ultimately come will require sacrifice. But you did not run and you were not elected to an easy job. You were elected by people who placed their faith and trust in you to act in the best interests of all.

Have the courage to compromise. Demonstrate the integrity to put the interests of the country ahead of political interests.

Now is the time to provide the leadership you were elected to provide. The country needs that leadership now, more than ever.

Don’t let us down.

Respectfully,

Jim Lichtman