I respect and admire Pat Leahy, but I can't help but think that 6 terms is enough

[cali]

Yes, it's nice having someone represent your state who has a lot of seniority and clout, but as Pat announces his 7th run for the Senate, I can't help but think that 36 years is long enough to spend as a Senator. Leahy has spent over half his life in the U.S. Senate. No, he hasn't become rich as a result and his tenure has been a plus for Vermont and the country as a whole, but 36 years seems long enough. Yes, I'll vote for him, but I surely hope that this is his last run.

http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090625/NEWS01/906250317/1002/NEWS01

[DarthDem]

1. If He's Still Effective, Who Cares?

Since Leahy continues to be an effective legislator for both his constituents and for the Democratic Party as a whole, why does matter how long he's served? Now, Specter, who hasn't accomplished anything in years - - there's a guy who needs to be forcibly retired. But Leahy seems pretty vital to me.

[cali]

2. I don't believe in term limits but I do think

36 years is long enough. there's something to be said for getting a fresh perspective and new ideas. And it's not as if there aren't dems and progressives in Vermont who wouldn't make good Senators.

[DarthDem]

3. That's Fair

I am vehemently opposed to term limits because they're artificial, arbitrary, and guarantee that you have a whole bunch of rookie legislators who don't know what they're doing. (I think that's why the term limits movement seems to have died quietly.)

However, I see your point about Leahy "blocking" other Dems and progressives from serving. I don't know - - I guess I just prefer these things to be decided at the ballot box. If Vermonters think Leahy is too out of touch or ineffective, or that they need a fresh perspective, they can always support someone else in a primary, right?

Now, apart from Specter, I *can* name about 36 Rethuglican U.S. Senators (everyone but Snowe, Collins, McClown, and Voinovich) who do absolutely nothing but toe their fascist party's line and obstruct, obstruct, obstruct. Mike Enzi, Bob Corker, Johnny Isakson, Kit Bond (who is heeding my wishes), Dick Burr, Jim DeMint - - just to name a few. The list goes on and on. THEY should all be retired immediately. :D