Democrat Governor floats idea of Suspending Elections

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File this in the random-things-politicians-say file. Speaking to a Cary Rotary Club today, N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue suggested suspending Congressional elections for two years so that Congress can focus on economic recovery and not the next election.

"I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that," Perdue said. "You want people who don't worry about the next election."

The comment -- which came during a discussion of the economy -- perked more than a few ears. It's unclear whether Perdue, a Democrat, is serious -- but her tone was level and she asked others to support her on the idea. (Read her full remarks below.)


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Well can't say I'm surprised.

It does underscore a serious problem: representatives are always in election mode. Does the frequency of elections to the House continue to serve the interests of the electorate?

The issue is moot, given Article 1 section 2 of the Constitution. But that does not mean that it is not a subject worthy of discussion.

I assume the idiot who proposed that Congressional elections be suspended took an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. What a jackass!

Congress does not have the power to suspend elections. This can only be done by Constitutional amendment or an outright coup d'etat.

ruveyn

We got through the Civil War and WWII without suspending any elections. Anyone who proposes suspending elections because of our current "crisis" is a jackass.

10 points for visagrunt!

It was not a serious suggestion, but rather a commentary on the continual election cycle and how campaigning seriously hinders governing.

From the same article:

Was the person who first proposed the direct election of Senators in violation of an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution?

Just because a proposal cannot be undertaken within the current constitutional framework does not mean that it is foolish to discuss a proposal that might have, as its method of achieving a policy goal, the amendment of the constitution.

So back to my question. Is there merit in a Constitutional amendment to extend the terms of Representatives?

Proposals are hot air. To do the thing, the Constitution must be amended.

ruveyn

Merit can be twisted into any form. I agree that the manner in which this statement was made and then followed by the "just kidding" defense points to this person being a jackass on this particular day, that's how I took it. It is foolish to discuss extending terms which detracts from the very recent priorities stated by the Democratic Party and the President. Oh wait a minute.

"democratic" governor suggests suspending democracy to get things done. I have seen this before.