Congressional Term Limits
The editorial (Oct. 24) against congressional term limits (Prop. 164) failed to point out that seniority is of vital importance in the operation of the House and Senate. Californians will shoot themselves in the foot if we deny our future congressmen from climbing into leadership posts. House Speaker Tom Foley used the seniority argument well in helping the voters of Washington defeat a similar ballot measure a few months ago. In effect, he said California will rule the roost if other states limit their representatives to short terms in Congress. Woodrow Wilson wrote over 100 years ago that “Congress in committees is Congress at work.” Committee influence comes only to members who serve many terms.
DAVID G. FARRELLY
San Clemente
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