By State Sen. Sam Graves
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By State Sen. Sam Graves
In 1992, by a vote of the people, Missouri’s legislative term limits constitutional amendment passed. The overwhelming 75 percent vote enacted the limitation into law. Those legislators up for reelection in 2002 cannot seek another term. The law limits state representatives to four two-year terms and state senators to two four-year terms, thus allowing eight years of total service for political officials in the House and Senate. This session we are beginning to see the effects of returning the power back to the people.
One particular case, Representative Rita Days, a Democrat from St. Louis, by law is barred from seeking another term. However, she has filed for reelection despite the law. This is her first step in a legal action against Missouri’s term limits. She will file suit as soon as she is barred from the ballot by the Secretary of State. She believes the people of her district should have the power to vote her out of office.
Over the last decade we have experienced reelection rates averaging over 90 percent. When the movement for term limits began there were 29 governors and no state legislatures limited to services in public office. Currently, we have 39 term-limited governors and 19 state legislatures including Missouri, California, Michigan and Ohio.
Term limits were enacted to stop politicians from being entrenched. Too often political office has been a lifetime tenure. I believe term limits are needed to dislodge long-time lawmakers who enjoy the power of incumbency. Those opposed to term limits believe the limitation of service will increase the power and influence of lobbyists and bureaucrats. This is completely false. Lobbyists rely on long-standing relationships with powerful incumbents. Term limits end the long-term arm twisting.
We need to restore government to the people. I believe term limits further the important values of democratic equality and freedom. Most importantly, term limits stop senior incumbents from enjoying such overwhelming advantages that voters generally have no meaningful voice on legislation. The citizens of Missouri voted in support of term limits; that vote should be respected. We deserve the opportunity to have our views represented by elected officials.
In a time when returning power to the people is the question, term limits are the answer.