Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

brooklynite

(94,974 posts)
Wed Feb 13, 2019, 03:22 PM Feb 2019

House Democrats postpone vote on leadership term limits

Source: Politico

House Democratic leaders have postponed a planned vote on leadership term limits, with no date set yet for any action on the controversial issue, according to Democratic lawmakers and aides.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) announced in a House Democratic Caucus meeting on Wednesday that there will be no vote on term limits by Feb. 15, which had been the informal deadline, said multiple sources.

Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) then told lawmakers an existing internal caucus panel would study the issue and report back to rank-and-file Democrats. Some Democrats privately believe the issue will never come up for a vote.

“Recognizing we were in a partial government shutdown for 35 days and now with regular order starting back up, our caucus will begin the conversation about leadership term limits based on an agreement reached with Speaker Pelosi at the end of last year," Perlmutter said in a statement.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/13/house-democrats-leadership-term-limits-1168425

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

George II

(67,782 posts)
1. If a person is qualified and experienced enough to lead, he/she should do so regardless....
Wed Feb 13, 2019, 03:31 PM
Feb 2019

....of any artificial "limit".

This was directed toward Nancy Pelosi prior to her becoming Speaker again, and I don't think any real Democrat regrets her being Speaker. In just a few short weeks she's shown to have been a perfect choice for that position, and there isn't a single Democrat that would do a better job.

metroins

(2,550 posts)
7. I disagree
Wed Feb 13, 2019, 04:47 PM
Feb 2019

Pelosi is doing well, but I think another qualified person could do as well.

Politics is slimy and I am for term limits on any political office/leadership/anything.

Polybius

(15,525 posts)
6. Well, they never got that far
Wed Feb 13, 2019, 04:46 PM
Feb 2019

Newt voluntarily stepped down as Speaker in 1998, because Republicans lost five seats (the opposing party almost always gains seats in midterms). He was also hugely unpopular.

Dennis Hastert then became Speaker, from January 6, 1999 – January 3, 2007. His party then went into a minority, and then he retired.

Then when the Democrats lost the House again, it went to John Boehner. He stepped down and resigned as Speaker, because he was hated in his own party. Paul Ryan then became Speaker, and then he chose on his own to not seek re-election.

Not sure when they implemented term limits, but it had to have been after Hastert served 8 years. Either way, they never got the chance to use them on their Speakers.

Baltimike

(4,148 posts)
3. Good. It puts an asterisk by the leader's agenda, and it's wrong.
Wed Feb 13, 2019, 03:55 PM
Feb 2019

It also signals to our enemies that there will be a 'work around' if they don't like the current leadership

SunSeeker

(51,800 posts)
11. I'm glad. Hope they never do it. Term limits are arbitrary and undemocratic.
Wed Feb 13, 2019, 05:06 PM
Feb 2019

The solution to unpopular entrenched power is campaign finance reform, and elections.

Right now, no one wants Pelosi to go anywhere, so leave her be.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»House Democrats postpone ...