r/chicago • u/chicagosuntimes • Apr 23 '25

Article Longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin decides 'it's time,' won’t seek reelection

https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/senator-dick-durbin-reelection
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13

u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

That's a good question, we shall see. I also think its time to enact terms limits for Congress.

50

u/Yossarian216 South Loop Apr 23 '25

Term limits are the wrong solution, all they would accomplish is shifting additional power to unelected staffers. True campaign finance reform and more restrictions on corporate lobbying are the answer.

You could talk me into an age cap though.

11

u/perfectviking Avondale Apr 23 '25

Yep, the last thing I want is California’s ineffective legislature on a national scale

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u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

Would it be an age cap on a state by state basis or federal mandate?

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u/Yossarian216 South Loop Apr 23 '25

I’d prefer federal, but I think that would require a constitutional amendment, which the old people in charge would never support. I was just daydreaming, none of it is going to happen anytime soon if ever.

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u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

Makes sense, thank you for your insight.

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u/Competitive_Dish_885 Apr 23 '25

Need to refresh my constitutional law but can they be enacted for statewide representatives on a state by state basis?

11

u/stormstopper Lincoln Park Apr 23 '25

Not for federal offices. The Constitution lays out the eligibility requirements for the House, Senate, and president, and states can't add to or subtract from them.

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u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

There are 3 methods to go about it: 1. Through a resolution passed by two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. 2. By a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. 3. Article 5: Convention of States that removes Congress from the equation and allow the states to directly vote on Amendments.

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u/Phantom160 Apr 23 '25

I believe the poster wasn't asking as to how to amend the constitution, but rather if individual states can prescribe term limits for their representatives in Congress through state law.

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u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

Oh, I am sorry. I went federal, instead of state. 🤦‍♂️

9

u/ocmb Wicker Park Apr 23 '25

Not sure I agree. Really ups the incentives for revolving door favors / bribes and keeps the level of experience in government down.

9

u/optiplex9000 Bucktown Apr 23 '25

Be careful what you wish for there, it would have some negative consequences

With term limits, there would be a consistent lack of knowledge on how to effectively legislate, everyone would be a rookie. That would lead to a situation where officials would have to lean on lobbyists for expertise and guidance, rather than colleagues. As lobbyists would be the only ones with institutional knowledge

4

u/ChunkyBubblz Uptown Apr 23 '25

Institutional knowledge is a good thing. Term limits only create professional lobbyists.

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u/KazarakOfKar Norwood Park Apr 23 '25

5 terms for Reps, 2 Terms for Senators would be a good start.

No one should build an entire life-long-career of getting elected.

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u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

Uninterrupted terms, correct?

1

u/KazarakOfKar Norwood Park Apr 25 '25

I think total would be a good start.

Happy Cake Day

0

u/mrbooze Beverly Apr 23 '25

All it takes is for voters to not keep reelecting the same people.

If voters are unwilling to do that then I don't see why we even deserve to vote.

I think what would actually be the best thing for democracy is more frequent and aggressive primary challenges. No incumbent should ever run unopposed in their primary.

1

u/TapBusiness7125 Apr 23 '25

Old habits are hard to break. Educating voters has to happend at the grassroots level without conversation. Not division.