Could it be that the average candidte for Congress spent 1.1 million?
and that 90% of the winners outspent the opponet?
That might explain why many dont run.
No, 100% of House seats are up for grabs in 2012, as they are every two years; senate (six yr term) about 1/3 seats open for grabs every two years.
The founding fathers were wise in setting it up the way they did; 2 yr terms for reps, 4 yr terms for execs, 6 yr terms for senators; provides the republic some protection from swift sweeping changes that comes from demagoguery, and every two yrs able to make adjustments to the way things are going in D.C. (!994 being a prime example)
Yes!
That way the States also have adequate representation.
As it is now, the people act in a way that is more akin to a democracy than a republic, and they are able to make the Congress a popularity contest, often voting for the congresspersons who will offer them the largest piece of the public treasury.
We were warned about just that issue early in our history as a nation.
Once the people vote for the most popular treasury robbers, the states have to foot the bill.
That is partly why we are in this sad state of affairs right now.
I tend to agree with those who are fine with the presidential term as currently held. I would love to see term limits on congress. Those senators and representatives seem to all go to Washington with good intentions but the toxic atmosphere of DC somehow changes them, makes them more getting elected focus then being a statesman(woman) focused.