Okay, fair enough. I agree with your suggestion that the primary process has worked well. I have done a little research about the CA term limit issue and I see what you are talking about. I’ll think some more about this. However, I did not state that “term limits ensure accountable government.” Term limits would have to be part of a total package (see Randy Barnett’s Bill of Federalism).
I do like what Gov. Christie is doing—and he IS a neophyte. He has the guts to take on the unions. True courage is rare in life. Also, NY State is in much the same situation as California and they have no term limits. As I see it the main problem in California is that they spend more than they make. That’s true in most blue states—net-users of the system outnumber the net-payers and thus vote themselves an ever-increasing share of the pie. California just happens to be bluer than everywhere else. It appears that the problem IS exacerbated by term limits—but certainly not caused by it. I actually feel sorry for the folks in the Sierra and up north. Great country—too bad it’s in California.
What we both agree on is that the desire for personal gain on the part of the office-holder (power, money, influence, security, etc) overrides the mandate to do the people’s business for the general welfare. The public trust is broken.
When the average person is asked to vote “yes” or “no”, they generally ask “How much is it? Is it any good?” This is basic cost benefit analysis. The next question is “Can I afford it?”
These are fundamental questions that Grassley, Hatch, Cornyn, McCain, Lott, McConnell, Graham, and all the other Pubs don’t ask. They want to compromise—IMMEDIATELY. They are too fearful that the gravy train of power and perks and DC cocktail parties will end. How to control the corrupting influences of office is still at the heart of saving our Republic. Let’s see how long Gov. Christie can hold off the need to perpetuate his power and avoid compromise. I see signs of wavering already.
Not in California. Here is what is happening: Conservatives are so maxed out keeping a job and paying taxes that they "don't have time" to manage political affairs. Leftists on the other hand usually work in government, so they have plenty of time for politics. Hence, in the Republican Party those affairs end up "professinalized," with County Central Committee members sponsored or manned by only those with something material to gain. The few paying any attention to the early primary process then look to the Party to see "who's running." Even here on FR, we look to see whether they have enough money or backing to be "viable" and what do they find but RINOs looking to cut deals.
It is at that point where our candidate has been selected for us.
We have failed to recognize and effect our own power here on FR. We have the connections, numbers, and intensity to promote a candidate at the early stages in the primary process should we do so with purpose. After all, if we didn't have power, there wouldn't be so many hired trolls hanging out here working for campaign consultancies trying to form our opinions. I know for a fact that they are here.
Needless to say, facilitating people running for County Central Committees wouldn't hurt either. The problem is finding someone who wants to do it. From what I can tell, the State boards are ideal for that purpose.