Throw The Bums Out?

Given the lack of term limits for our Representatives and Senators, we are unfortunately left with the prospect of career politicians. Presumably, individual states could enact legislation enforcing term limits on their own Representatives and Senators, but it's extremely doubtful that any would choose to do so. After all, power in Washington comes with seniority, and with power comes Federal tax money that State politicians don't then need to tax directly from their citizens, so why mess with success? For this reason, it seems highly unlikely as well that a Constitutional amendment could garner the necessary votes for passage. (The logic that everybody would have to start over for leadership positions would likely not penetrate the minds of those voting).

So, what's a citizen, fed up with the Constitutional disregard and disdain shown in the hallowed halls of Congress, to do?

A politician currently of some renown once noted in a speech I attended, when asked about term limits, that we already have them - they're just called "elections." In that spirit, I'd like to propose the non-partisan rules for voting, better known as "Throw The Bums Out!" approach.

(1) Do not vote for the incumbent in any election. Those elected to serve us should return to the real world and reap what they've sown.

(2) Where there is an open seat, do not vote for a major party candidate (Democrat or Republican). History suggests that these individuals will soon become Bums who need to be thrown out.

(3) Candidates for an office against an incumbent who previously held the same office -- that is, for example, an incumbent who lost their seat in 2006 running again for the same seat in 2008 -- should be treated as incumbents unless at least 2 full terms of that office have passed. Waiting only one term suggests someone who wants to be a career politician in that seat who likely will spend their entire time after defeat raising money and running for office, rather than living in the real world.

(4) Where an incumbent has no opposition for reelection, you must still VOTE! Write in a candidate, or better yet, challenge the incumbent yourself!

I recognize that, especially in the case of Representatives with 2 year terms, voting against an incumbent in 2010 who was first elected in 2008 might seem harsh. But voters must be harsh in sending a message to the entrenched political caste. While letters, emails, phone calls, and tea parties might make politicians nervous, nothing would be more effective than massive turnover in the halls of Congress, especially electing a large number of third party candidates to weaken the political hold of the Democrat and Republican parties.