Some smart types debate the issue following the death of one Senator - New Jersey's Frank Lautenberg -at 89. He was far from the oldest Senator by the way. That would be Strom Thurmond.
- One thinks we - and incumbents - should change our "norms about incumbency" and that more party members should be willing to make primary challenges, which discounts the advantage of seniority of seniority. There should be more turnover in the Senate says he.
- Another points out that a disadvantage of having elderly Senators is that they have no idea what problems face younger Americans, and if they are incapacitated their unelected staffs take over their duties. Is this a good idea? She aregues for more retirements in the Senate.
- The historian emeritus of the Senate reminds us that the word "senate" comes from the Latin "sen" meaning old or an elder - so the Senate is supposed to composed of indviduals with age and experience. The reason there are elderly people in the Senate is because constituents vote for them. Dealing with elderly Senators who are also infirmed can be tricky however.
- An ex-member of Congress thinks we have better things to worry about: . . . "term limits and age limits are antithetical to the power given to the voters. Furthermore, as Americans live longer and healthier lives the people who represent them should reflect the very makeup of the constituents they serve.:
