Do you think that there should be term limits for U.S Senators and Representatives?

Personally, I would like to see them, as I am really tired of the career politicians.

 

The big plus: there would be more variety in our representation, representatives' elections would be based less on the amount of federal dollars they bring home (the real problem with the buildup in the size of government), and less time to build empires of power and corruption. Hopefully, that would mean government itself would become less intrusive.

The downside: it really is a strike against freedom of expression and assembly.

Verdict: it's a lot like your teenager who wants all the freedom in the world, yet is getting into trouble constantly. Mr. and Ms. Representative - YOU'RE GROUNDED!

 

Hi superranger,

Every once in a while a gifted politician comes along, and through sheer acumen makes a name for himself. I would hate to see a person like that limited.

Politicians build alliances, and serve on important committees through time. I think that is not a bad thing in itself, especially if he is YOUR duly elected representative. That's what politics is all about.

regards

 

I agree with the other statements that you've made, but I really dont see it as a strike against freedom of expression and assembly, but the exact oposite.

I feel that something of this nature would bring back more power to us (the voting pop.), would allow for a lot less party politics, less govt waste.

I also feel that career politicians do not always have a real idea of what their constituents really go through, and something like this would a attempt to bring in people that are more in tune with thier voters.

But on the other hand I could also see the possiblilty of a greater push to more gov't handouts...

 

I agree, with the gifted politican part, but what if that's the problem with the system?

 

I'm not sure what you're seeing as a problem, but you being from South Dakota makes my case even more. If term limits were law, your state would be the poorer for it. Right now you have a U.S. Senator who wields substantial clout. He probably brings home bacon by the barrel.

 

I believe we already have them here in Maine.

 

Unfortunately IMO, I wish that was the truth.

Daschle has completely forgot who elected him, IMO. He just let the one bill (ethanol bill, it didnt pass by one vote) that could have provided a lot of Midwest states with jobs and helped our farmers on a insane scale. This bill would have put South Dakotas and other midwest states ethanol output into warp speed.

Wouldnt a Senator with his state in mind, be fighting tooth and nail for something that his state has been screaming about supporting, especially if he was senate minority leader!!!!

He has consitently projected views that are not in line with the majority of South Dakotans, and quite frankly I still dont understand why I voted for him last go around, and feel like I've been cheated.

It will be an intersting Senate race in SD comming soon, and I really feel that Daschle will have a very hard time making it this time.

I'm really sick and tired of politicans trying to make a name for themselves, I'm also dam tired of lobbyists lobbying Represenatives and Senators for their votes, even though they dont give a dam about the state it self.

You should see the list of lobbyists that have Daschel in their pockets....90% of them consider SD as fly-over area, and thats it!

Besides, I for one, don't like the idea that my state should be put ahead of the good of the US!

end of rant!

 

I feel your pain.

I like your above thought.

 

Do you happen to know just how many terms one can serve?

I guess I was thinking that 2, 4 year terms would be ideal, maybe even 3, 4 yr terms.

 

The state senators are limited to 4 terms 2 years each.The Governor is limited to 2 terms 4 years each.The U.S senators are limited to 2 terms,4 years each.

 

One unintended consequence of term limits might also be to INCREASE the power of the political parties, as their dollars and organization would be critical to candidates building name recognition for the first time. One thing we don't need is more powerful political parties. A representative cannot vote his or her conscience, everything is tit for tat.

We (the voting pop.) have the power, but apparently the majority of us are either satisfied or just don't care.

 

I agree.

 

I think with the term limits,the politicians have to earn their power.Maine always seems to have some good Senators.Our current ones in the U.S. Senate are both women,and both Republican.The House of Rep.are both men,and both Democrat.We have our own method of checks and balances.

 

i agree with all of it.