tah.....except in 1833, US Senators were chosen by the several State Legislatures, and both the Republican and Democrat parties were much different and less powerful than they are today.
The 17th Amendment changed all of that, effectively dealt the States completely out of the Federal Government that was designed to include the States interests as part of the “Checks and Balances” built into the original constitution. Now the US Senate answers exclusively to the Political parties and ignores not only the State’s interests but the interest of the people as well.
If we removed 90% of the money from Senatorial political reelection campaigns, just imagine what the private sector could do with it. If we limited the amount US Representatives could spend on campaigns, the Private sector would benefit immediately again.
We can not and should not continue to pay Congress Critters $170,000 (and up) per year, plus benefits and millions in retirement benefits. If we returned the Congress to the control of Citizens Legislators, that would be Politics as it was meant to be.....
Well having a handful career politicians state legislators appoint Senators sure as hell won't accomplish that. Just the opposite.