That is a bell that cannot be “unrung” now because of the nature of the amendment process. What senator in his right mind is going to vote himself out of what has essentially become a lifetime appointment? The article hits the nail on the head, but I’m afraid it’s about as productive as pissing in the wind.
I believe Article 5 allows for the Amendment process to also be started in the State Legislatures.. I will have to check that. Our Founders were quite wise (unless todays corrupt leaders)
Also, see this recent thread on FR: A Convention for Proposing Amendments...as Part of this Constitution
-PJ
An easy remedy would be to pass a law that would allow the state legislatures to approve the ballot for US Senator in their state. In other words, many candidates could compete for their state’s popular vote only after they were cleared by their state legislature.
No US Senator would dare vote against such a law.