Keeping a toehold on democracy
By Christina Nuckols
A few weeks ago, I wrote here about my conversation with Yale law professor Stephen L. Carter, and I subsequently attended his lecture for Roanoke College’s Constitution Day. He’s an eloquent and thought-provoking speaker. By thought-provoking I mean that I agreed with much of what he said, but he also threw in a few curve balls.
I was surprised when Carter expressed sympathy for repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which calls for popular election of U.S. senators. Before its adoption, senators were chosen by state legislatures. Carter sees repeal as a means to reduce political pressures and fundraising obligations so senators can focus on problem-solving.
That’s a good goal, although not the one motivating most of those who favor repeal.
Nuckols is editorial page editor for The Roanoke Times.
September 30, 2012 - 8:02 AM
Repeal would do nothing to remove lobbyists and everything to strengthen the “party machine” which is just what we need. He needs to research the state legislatures.