Elect Yantis Green

All 435 members of Congress were sworn into office in January.  Every member of Congress has to prepare for an election in the March 2010 primary, only 11 months from now.  In essence, every member of Congress is campaigning constantly.  They don’t have the luxury of U.S. Senators who only have to run for re-election every 6 years or even the President and most Governors who have to run every 4 years.  Even most school board members serve at least 3 year terms.

Two year terms for the entire 435 members of Congress are worried about retaining their seats every day.  11 months between elections is not long enough to stand up to other members of the House or the Senate or the President.

Every member of Congress should be allowed enough time to learn the protocol of the position without having to worry about placating their political party.  They should be afforded the opportunity to serve their constituents, focus on the issues for which they were elected, and have the ability to build coalitions to get the job done.

Four year staggered terms would accomplish two primary goals; first, Congressmen would have time to build the coalitions necessary to complete the issues they campaigned upon, and second, they would be able to have the courage to say no to legislation which previously would be rushed through the Congress.