Politicians Oppose Term Limits: Convention Could Prompt Action

Almost every day we get a new reminder that we are increasingly governed by elderly, out-of-touch professional politicians who have constructed an incumbent-protection moat around themselves and therefore can’t be dislodged by voters.

Maryland’s Senator Ben Cardin just announced he will leave office next year at the age of 81. He began his political career in the Maryland state legislature back in 1966, a full 56 years ago and before the first Moon landing. Both his father and uncle served in the state legislature. His uncle retired in 1966 to make way for the younger Cardin as his replacement, beginning in 1967.

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John Fund

John Fund is National Review’s national-affairs reporter.

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Almost every day we get a new reminder that we are increasingly governed by elderly, out-of-touch professional politicians who have constructed an incumbent-protection moat around themselves and therefore can’t be dislodged by voters.

Maryland’s Senator Ben Cardin just announced he will leave office next year at the age of 81. He began his political career in the Maryland state legislature back in 1966, a full 56 years ago and before the first Moon landing. Both his father and uncle served in the state legislature. His uncle retired in 1966 to make way for the younger Cardin as his replacement, beginning in 1967.