Menard’s term-limit battle a Sisyphean task

State Sen. Linda Menard is asking for term limits on state legislators. This seems to be a law many in Alaska favor — except for some in the Legislature, where she’s met obstacles for two sessions now.

In a democracy, one would think the ballot box is where we decide how many terms a legislator can have.

Mendard’s wish has precedent. The president of the United States can only serve for two terms.

There are a couple of ways to look at it.

Some say term limits are needed because incumbents have a decided advantage in name recognition, if nothing else. They also tend to have war chests they can rely on when the next election comes around. So, unless an opponent has deep pockets and a fairly familiar name and face, he or she certainly faces an uphill battle.

Then there’s that seemingly rare politician people think is doing a good job. Having experience and knowing how to move legislation are valuable assets. A first-time lawmaker might be overwhelmed and ineffective during a 90-day session.

That’s the argument incumbents roll out when Election Day comes around.

As an example, think about U.S. Rep Don Young. In 2008, he was elected to his 19th term in the U.S. House. He was first elected in a special election in 1973 and has been a fixture at the Capitol since.

His occasionally gruff demeanor and pork-barrel politics have put many people off, yet he generally wins easily and not many Republicans want to take him on in the primaries. And Democrats have fallen like rotten timber in his wake.

Obviously, after almost 40 years in the House the majority of voting Alaskans wouldn’t want term limits for Young.

Yet, it remains a rallying call in many corners. Sen. Menard is leading that charge, but getting little traction from her peers in Juneau.

Perhaps instead of trying to limit lawmakers’ time in office, there should be a limit on how much money a candidate can spend so buying an election through air time and print would be less likely.

Name recognition would still be a positive factor for an incumbent, but each candidate would have an equal chance to get his or her message out.

Then voters will truly decide whose terms are limited, and that’s what should take place. This might be especially true in this political season when the loud mantra may be “throw all the bums out.”