I’ve never cared for congressional term limits. I’m also an admirer of Rep. Jeff Flake, the Arizona Republican. He is quite simply one of the best congressmen on the GOP side of the aisle. Even so, it is troubling to learn that he is now breaking a promise to serve no more than three terms. Six other Republicans are breaking similar promises this year. Each one of them exploited popular sentiment about term limits for personal gain; they are now becoming what they once railed against. At a time when the Republican party’s conservative base is feeling demoralized, this is not the type of news that will help to energize it. A year from now, I’ll probably be glad that Rep. Flake is still hanging around DC–but I’ll also think a little less of him.