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In the early 1990s, term limits for Congress was a hot topic at the state level with many states voting to limit the terms of their congressional representatives. A constitutional amendment was even proposed by certain lawmakers. These efforts were defeated respectively by a Supreme Court decision in 1995 and congressional apathy. Today we don’t hear much about term limits and we’ve come to accept the possibility of virtual life terms for our Representatives and Senators. I think that it’s time the issue was brought up once again.
Since 1964, the reelection rate for the House of Representatives has never dipped below 85%. The Senate hasn’t enjoyed quite as high numbers, but has only dipped lower than 70% in three elections since that year. At first glance, one might think that these high reelection rates are indicative of a happy electorate. But when the approval rating for Congress is in the low teens, this reasoning must be questioned, especially when voters affiliated with both parties seem to agree that Congress does a terrible job.
There are many reasons incumbents enjoy such high reelection rates, and the sum of these reasons make it difficult if not impossible for challengers to defeat them, essentially guaranteeing long careers for what have become career politicians. Incumbents have name recognition, organized infrastructure in their home districts and in Washington, ready access to donors, the backing of one of the two major parties, and no challenges from within their own party. They’ve already won at least one election, and we should never discount the effects of district realignment resulting in favorable demographics (i.e. solid party voters). Voters aren’t necessarily happy with their representative; the deck is just greatly stacked against challengers. Term limits solve these problems.
Collectively, we recognize the poor job Congress does, yet we keep sending the same men and women to represent us. This isn’t a good thing. Poor turnover ossifies the legislature, and limits the opportunities for otherwise quality and qualified citizens to represent their communities. Further, the success of term limits in local and state politics is proof that term limits are not bad and may in fact infuse legislative bodies with new life.
So I ask our leaders and fellow citizens: Term limits; why not?
Halen Allison, of Avoca, is a former United States Marine and has worked as an intelligence analyst for the military and government since 1998, serving in Japan, Afghanistan, and Germany. He has spent most of his adult life writing, both in an official capacity and in his personal life, on topics ranging from current events, history, and politics. After 13 years of travelling, Halen has recently returned to his hometown of Avoca, NY, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in Classical History.
“It is my hope that this blog will help generate interest and discussion in current events and political matters. “I aim to write engaging, well-argued pieces that will draw the reader in and compel him or her to consider perspectives far different from the mainstream.”
Ed Spencer’s professonal experience includes more than two dozen years as a professional journalist, where he was also a noted community activist. He also founded and owned a for-profit financial services firm, as well as a not-for-profit financial and legal services company that also offered training and workshops on issues surrounding persons with disabilities for schools and businesses. He is a pastor, a TEPE parenting educator, and a teacher, facilitator and trainer for Bridges Out of Poverty. He has pastored in five churches, and most recently founded Reverb Ministries in Bath. He is a member of the Bath Citizens Advisory Council and served on the Town of Bath committee that created a comprehensive land use plan.
“I want to present new perspectives and offer sometimes challenging thoughts. As King Solomon wrote, ‘There is nothing new under the sun.’ What remains for us is to rediscover truth. My personal mission statement (is) ‘Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’”
