Change

The last few election cycles in this country have been about change.  Americans want to change their President, change their country, and we definitely change our minds -- quickly.

In November 2008, we were changing the President.  With that change came the (arguably) unintended change of power.  2/3 of the Federal Government was run by one party.  This ushered in massive change.  Most Americans did not understand the change they signed on for by giving Democrats the seat of unchecked power.  As a result of this change at least half of the country has felt unrepresented for the past two years.

Today people all over the country are heading to the polls.  They will vote once again for change.  Americans have learned that the Legislative and Executive Branches need a balance of power.  But the Legislative branch needs much more than a change today.  They need a complete change of mind set, they need to adopt new rules.

1- 12 year limit in the Legislative branch. (2 6-year Senate Terms, 6 2-year Congressional terms, or 3 2-year Congressional Terms and 1 6-year Senate Term) the end.  No discussion.  No ifs and or buts, 12 years and you're out.

2- No Pension.

3- Pay raise approved at election time by the voters, not the Legislators.

4- No Health Insurance.

5- Legislators must spend at least half their time in their district.  They alone are responsible for their travel back and forth.

6- War chest money not used in election campaigns will be donated at the end of each election cycle to draw down the deficit.  Each candidate has 30-days after election to show full accounting of all political activities for election cycle and write a check to the US treasury for their remaining balance closing out their political bank accounts.  If any information is found to be fraudulent, or money received after deadline (#7) candidate immediately forfeits race and next closest competitor is awarded seat.

7- Ads can only be run by candidates.  All money has to be donated to the candidate within 7 days after the primary winner is declared and can only be donated after Primary Candidacy is declared.  After that no money can be used ouside for any political activity.  See #6 for money left over after campaign is over.

It's time for Political Office to STOP being a lifetime Appointment.  Every American should have the same opportunity to run as every other American.  Number six and number seven are true campaign finance reform in simple plain no loopholes English.