Ensconced in Washington is untouchable. Repealing the 17th would make them more accountable to locals not less IMO. By appointment of the State would make elections of local officials all the more important. It’s how the Representative Republic form of government differs from the current form of Democracy. The US House was intended to be elected by the population, with shorter terms, thus ensuring that body would represent the current whims of the country. Hence the reason it is empowered to be the body that generates appropriation bills. The Senate was designed to house the elder statesmen of a State that had proven their wisdom and leadership, so as to act as the State’s voice in the Federal legislature. Plus general election of Federal Senators ensures that special interest money trumps political positions. That is one of the reasons why the status quo seems to be the goal of either parties “candidates” I believe.
Special interest monies will certainly trump political positions when Senators are appointed rather than elected - without even the clarifying tonic of electoral input.
The reason money for campaigns is how campaigns are won or lost and how politicians are bought and sold is because the majority of American voters are highly influenced by 30 second advertisements.
The same sort of scumbags will get elected using the same scummy tactics playing the same scummy game - except now those scum will directly appoint Senators (in “smokey back rooms”) rather than having the issue decided by the electorate.
There is, as you allude to, little support either among the political class, or among the citizenry - for repeal of the 17th Amendment.
Based upon the recent conviction of Blagojevich - I don't think it is going to be gathering much steam either.
Recall if you will how Governor Blagojevich took his important duty to appoint a Senator for the people of his State..... I paraphrase.... “This F*cking Plum falls in my F*cking lap - and I am supposed to GIVE IT AWAY? NO F*cking way!”.
A Senatorial seat is a “plum” and very very few currently in government are going to give it away when they can charge as much as the market will bear.
Bought and paid for Senators right out the gate instead of those compromised due to the necessity of money for advertisements in campaigns is not exactly an improvement, IMHO.