HIGH COURT LETS TERM-LIMIT LAW STAND

The United States Supreme Court rejected March 9 a legal challenge to California's groundbreaking term-limit law, which voters narrowly passed in November 1990.

Supporters of curbing the terms of office of elected officials said that the high court's decision on California's term-limits law will encourage passage of similar measures in other states.

"We are thrilled, not only because this removes a final barrier to enactment of this initiative in California but even more so because it acts as a green light for term limitations in all other states," James Coyne, president of Americans to Limit Congressional Terms, said in a telephone interview.

The growing movement to adopt term limits has been fueled by increased voter resentment at how long incumbent legislators stay in office.

Mr. Coyne said groups are now collecting signatures on petitions aimed at adopting term limits in nearly 20 states.