[BonnieJ]

I'd prefer to see new leaders and ideas introduced into leadership every few years. The original intent of a representative government is NOT to have it be a life-long, highly-compensated profression but SERVICE to your country that is a sacrifice.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Partly true, that was more what the founding fathers wanted for the House. More senior statesmen with a wealth of experience who could calmly and rationally debate the issues of the day and serve as a "cooling influence" were supposed to be the hallmark of the Senate (modeled on the House of Lords, which was full of old men). Frequent turnover isn't necessarily a good thing, as you would eventually have staffers and aides (who would likely have more experience than their bosses) serving as de facto members of Congress (of course with the more moronic members on the Dem side, many already are). Nonetheless, there are a lot of folks that ought not be there...