[POLITICO] A growing faction of House Democrats wants to bring back term limits for the crew of party leaders who sit atop the chambers most influential committees.
The effort follows a series of bruising fights among Democrats over seniority, a split that pits younger politicians who feel shut out from decision-making versus powerful voting blocs like the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The latter groups have long favored seniority as the surest way for their members to rise in the ranks, while term-limit supporters lament that Republicans are outflanking Democrats in promoting young leaders to carry their message.
Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party, Rep. Anna Eshoo
...Democratic Congresswomen-for-Life from Caliphornia, representing Silicon Valley. She began her career as chairman of the San Mateo Democratic Party in 1978, and was first elected to Congress in 1993. When she leaves she'll probably be carried out...
, a close ally of Minority Leader Nancy San Fran Nan Pelosi
Congresswoman-for-Life from the San Francisco Bay Area, born into a family of professional politicians. Formerly Speaker of the House, but it's not her fault they lost. Really. Noted for her heavily botoxed grimace...
, said a growing number of politicians wants the caucus to have a serious discussion about term limits.
"I think there should a very thorough and thoughtful examination, not only of this but several rules of the caucus," said Eshoo, who unsuccessfully challenged more-senior New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone last year for the top Democratic spot on the Energy and Commerce Committee. "I think it would be healthy for the members, all of the members, to really understand what the rules are [and] the history behind them."
Former Caucus Chairman John Larson, who was term-limited from that slot in 2013, agreed. He praised House Republicans six-year limit for people to serve atop committees, although Speaker John It is not pronounced 'Boner!' Boehner
... the occasionally weepy leader of House Republicans...
(R-Ohio) has allowed some exceptions.
"A number of people would say Republicans have struck a better formula for advancement," the Connecticut Democrat said. "And I dont think its a bad thing for leadership at all. I mean, its verboten to say it, but its true and I think even our current leaders would recognize it, all of whom I support."
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