Blatant recommendations - Gov and Senator's race

On the eve before the eve before the election, is this first of several posts. I've been avoiding doing this mostly because as a reporter, I'm supposed to stay neutral on issues or candidates. But as a citizen of our fine community, it's rather difficult for me to just sit by the sidelines and not speak up, which is probably a reason why I'm a reporter in the first place.

I'm expanding this to include candidates beyond City Council since this is the first chance in what seems like decades where we can actually see some hope and change. Also, not that I have anything against Senior Citizens, I do have problems with politicians that stay in office for eons when they should take the hint and just retire. This opinion isn't limited to anyone particular party - I think any and all politicians beyond the age of say 65, should just retire.

I simply don't understand why it is that retirement age is 60 or 65 for the rest of American workers (or 55 if you work for a state of local government agency) but members of the Senate and the House of Representatives can work until they die - as in the case of Senator Robert Byrd, who passed away while still serving as an active Senator at the ripe old age of 93. 93? Come on, give me a break (are you listening Senator McCain???) At the time, Byrd had been serving as a Senator for a mere 51 years. Byrd was the poster child for the reason why term limits are so desperately needed.

Some people will argue that term limits prevent politicians from learning how the system works, but that can also simply mean that term limits prevents politicians from learning how to game the system to their advantage. For a good example, take a look at Michael Grunwald's piece on Senator Byrd after his passing.

Senate Race:

Recommendation: Carly Fiorina.

Boxer is a professional politician. She's been in office for 28 years, starting with an 10-year stint (spanning 5 terms) in the House and then she began her (now) 18-year career (which is 3-terms) in the Senate in 1992. Boxer is about to turn 70 (on November 11) and if she wins again, then at the end of this term, she'll be 76 years old. Barb, dear, it's time for you to retire (or be retired) and tend to a garden, volunteer in the community or do something else.

Governor

Recommendation: Meg Whitman

Jerry Brown is a professional politician. By professional, I mean someone who knows how to game the system (see above). Plus, he's 72 years old. That should be enough right there.

People have told me they think since Brown knows the system, he'll be able to make changes good for California since this will be his swan song. That makes sense...sure... but how do these people know? Maybe Brown's swan song will include raising taxes (I'm sure the "without voter approval" will wind up meaning something else), stop freeway construction (again).

What is particularly galling about Brown's campaign is his response to the "2-term limit" for Governor. He's said since that took effect after his second term, it doesn't apply to him. Gee... if that's the case and he's the Attorney General, then doesn't that also mean that some amount of those folks sitting in prison because of the "3-Strikes" law should be released or have their sentences reduced? If someone serving time under 3-strikes had their 1st two strikes before the law passed and then their 3rd strike after the law took effect, logically they shouldn't be forced to serve the sentences imposed by 3-strikes, right?

Jerry - do everyone a favor and volunteer in the community, learn to garden or better yet, read some books on logic.