Cleaning house

The most interesting and intensely debated political reform of the 1990s did not originate with politicians - it is directed at them. Rarely has a political idea caught on with such speed as term limits for elected officials. The largest grass-roots movement in decades put term-limit initiatives on the 1992 ballots in 15 states, representing over one-third of the nation's population. Polls show term limits are favored by 80% of all voters, regardless of race, sex, or. Party affiliation. A growing number of political observers believe America will have a citizen Congress by the end of this decade. Term limits aren't a new idea. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both supported them, and for over one hundred years self-imposed term limits were an accepted American tradition. But with the rise of more intrusive government, citizen legislators have given way to career politicians. Powerful special interests bankroll their campaigns. And effectively discourage any real political competition against them. In 1990, 79 members of Congress had no major-party opponents and 96% of House incumbents were re-elected. Using an engaging and witty style that is far removed from civics textbooks, Cleaning House convincingly sets out the case for term limits and how Americans can get involved in making them a reality. The authors, a former congressman and a noted journalist, have observed Congress up close for. Years. Using their own experience and research, they paint a devastating portrait of an imperial institution that is increasingly arrogant, unaccountable, and refuses to address the public's concerns.