Stenholm Pushes 4-Year House Terms

[goobergunch]

By Amy Keller
Roll Call Staff
July 23, 2003

Sick and tired of the “constant campaign” dictated by two-year terms, Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D-Texas) wants to amend the Constitution to create four-year terms for House Members.

more...http://www.rollcall.com/pub/49_8/news/2369-1.html

I don't think this is a good idea...the House is supposed to be more responsive to the people, plus it's nice to have at least one part of government that we can kick out quickly.

[demnan]

1. I disagree

I think four years is much more reasonable. It takes time, money and energy to gather a staff, contact all the support personnel, etc. When I worked on Capitol Hill it was like a revolving door of personnel. People don't realize the support staff that is needed for any new Congressman and they usually don't hire the incumbents. And you know where the money comes from to do all this constant hiring, firing and rewiring? The taxpayers.

[bluestateguy]

2. Bad Idea

We need to have an opportunity for a midterm referendum on the president's party. This is one of those bills that will gather dust on the shelves for years.

[GOPisEvil]

3. I understand why he feels that way, though...

...Tom DeLay's put a target on Charlie's head. Charlie's gotta figure that if the Democrats can keep redistricting in Texas tied up in the courts through the 2004 election, then maybe he can get re-elected to a 4-year term and by then, it's 2008, and redistricting is just 2 years away...

I think we need to look into public financing of House races so the Representatives can be present more often, instead of out trolling for $.

[bluestateguy]

4. I have no love lost for "Chuckie" Stenholm

He's a me-too Democrat, though probably better than some Tom DeLay clone who would otherwise be elected.

[GOPisEvil]

5. He's far from my favorite member of Congress, too...

...but he's a damn sight better than just about anyone with a "R" after their name.