Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

New Texas term limits bill gives new politicians a chance to compete in votes and encourages diversity. Texas may limit length of office allowed under state law. According to election expert Richard Winger’s Ballot Access News article, Texas Term-Limits Bill for Executive Statewide Offices Moves Ahead, changes are becoming possible towards ending career politicians:

The Texas House will vote on May 15 on SJR 13. This is a proposed constitutional amendment that would impose term-limits on statewide executive posts, including Governor. The proposal would limit office-holders to two consecutive terms. Service before 2014 would not count against any office-holder. The proposal has passed the Senate and the policy committee in the House. If it is signed into law, the voters will vote on it in November 2013. Thanks to Jim Riley for this news.

Local radio station KBTX had the following information to add:

The House is considering asking voters to approve term limits for future officeholders – which could send a message to Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history. The bill easily cleared the Senate in March. It seeks to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would limit future officeholders to two consecutive terms.

Perry took over in 2000, when then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush left for the White House. He is now America’s longest sitting governor, but hasn’t said if he will seek a fourth full term next year. The proposal is sponsored by Republican Sen. Kevin Eltife, who ran for Senate after local term limits prevented him from re-election as mayor of Tyler. If approved, however, term limits wouldn’t apply to Perry, judges or current state lawmakers.