When I read the news that Mitt Romney had announced his retirement from politics, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I don’t have many strong opinions about the senator from Utah, but the fact that he, at the age of 77, plans to step away from politics rather than cling to power until his death or incapacity is worth celebrating.
Unfortunately, Romney is the exception rather than the rule. Nancy Pelosi, who is 83 years old, is seeking another term in the House of Representatives. It seems she’s trying to join the exclusive “40 years in government club” which includes other notable politicians like Chuck Grassley, Charles Schumer, Ed Markey, and Chris Smith. Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell has repeatedly instilled fear in the American public with his health scares, and Dianne Feinstein, who was 90 years old, passed away last week.
For years, I’ve been frustrated watching politicians who are nearing the end of their lives continue to hold onto their positions and campaign for re-election. After 30 or more years in office, what more is there left to accomplish?
Romney finally spoke the truth that many of us suspected: a job in the U.S. Congress is no longer about achieving anything meaningful. It’s become about the job itself. In an interview with The Atlantic’s McKay Coppins, Romney admitted that “most of us have gone out and tried playing golf for a week, and it was like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna kill myself.'” Coppins concluded that “The men and women of the Senate might not need their government salary to survive, but they needed the stimulation, the sense of relevance, the power.” In short, it’s all about them.
One might argue that the public should simply vote for someone else. However, this ignores the realities of political entrenchment, name recognition, party support, coordination, and fundraising.
Yet, I can’t help but wonder if we shouldn’t demand more from our geriatric political class.
Gone are the days when generals in ancient Rome would have someone whispering in their ear during their triumphant parades, reminding them that they are only human. Instead, we now have groups of historians discussing with the current president the historical significance of his presidency, while commentators dismiss the idea of these politicians willingly stepping aside. Our grandparents’ generation of politicians has shown that they are either incapable or unwilling to relinquish power.
Where is the spirit of Cincinnatus in our republican system?
Cincinnatus, a paragon of Roman civic virtue, was twice given immense power as a statesman in the Roman Republic, and twice he chose to step aside once the pressing task or crisis had been resolved. Perhaps his legacy has been idealized and romanticized, but the essence of his character is true. An elder statesman with almost unlimited power chose to step aside instead of remaining in office for personal gain, even if it meant risking the stability of the republic.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has made mental acuity tests for representatives above a certain age a major focus of her campaign. While these tests address part of the issue with an entrenched geriatric class, I’m more concerned about politicians who have spent 50 years or more in Congress, regardless of their age. Some argue that term limits are undemocratic because they deny voters their choice of representative. However, I believe it is equally undemocratic to have a system where whoever you vote for will likely represent your children decades down the line.
So, I propose the Cincinnatus Rule. This rule would set a cumulative cap of 36 years on holding a congressional position: 18 possible terms for congressmembers and six total terms for senators. This is equivalent to a generation and then some. If you can’t accomplish the change and policies you promised in slightly less time than it took Moses to lead the Israelites out of the desert, maybe it’s time to let someone else take the reins.
Of course, the biggest obstacle to any reform is this: why would self-interested members of Congress vote for such a bill?
Aaron Earlywine is a bartender who moonlights as a student at Wisconsin Law School.
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