Career Options for Members of Congress

The opinion-page article "Bush vs. Congress," Nov. 7, states that a congressional term-limitation measure would "throw out the responsible, thoughtful members of both parties along with the demagogues and deadbeats." I find this misleading since, historically, many outstanding congressional leaders have held a variety of elected and appointed posts. Some of our greatest senators served in the House of Representatives before the Senate and went on to serve in presidential cabinets, as vice presidents, as state governors, in state legislatures, and even were elected to the presidency. Only through some form of term-limitation measure and significant campaign reform can emerging groups such as women and minorities expect to serve in Congress in more than token numbers. That can only strengthen our democracy. George A. Dean, Southport, Conn.

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