[Cboldt]

rcocean's reasoning is simple (pardon me for stepping in), and on reflection, you'll agree. Right now, YOU can call your Senator, and your Senator is apt to listen, because you vote directly for the office. If the state legilature chose the Senator, you'd be looking at your state reps, not so much directly at the Senator. You'd still have influence, it would be less direct. See, e.g., judges, which you don't elect, but have to rely on the good judgement of an executive and Senate for selecting. The system created by the founders is awesome!

[Principled]

Thanks for jumping in, choldt. I appreciate the reply. Perhaps we're saying the samething ... sideways.. <;)

While I understand and agree that a particluar Senator chosen by his state legislators would very likely be less accessible to citizens in his state - save those of his own district - I think the senator would be very responsive to the needs of fellow state legislators. Those other state legislators are very accessible and accountable to their constits.

So while a senator appointed the original way is less accountable to ME, he is WAY accountable to my state rep - who is WAY accessible and accountable to me.

Of course I omit the arguments pertaining to strengthening state's rights.