The Web is full of chatter about whether Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd, West Virginia Democrat, should continue holding his powerful position, despite his age.
Reports indicate that Byrd, 90, might be pulled from his spot by party leaders, but aides deny rumors that he's stepping down.
A spokesman for Byrd told The Washington Times that lawmaker is undergoing physical therapy after a recent fall, but that he "remains focused on the job at hand."
"Once again, it appears that Washington insiders are practicing what they do best — petty rumor mongering," wrote Byrd spokesman Jesse Jacobs in an e-mail. "Any suggestions that he is not fulfilling his duties as a United States senator are baseless and untrue."
Some liberals are loath to forget Byrd's former involvement in the Ku Klux Klan as a younger man, and are wary that Byrd holds the title of Senate President Pro Tempore, which means he's third in line to the presidency.
Conservatives seem to agree that it may be time to show Byrd the door.
"His staff might want to cling to power, and this is an embarrassment to the Dem Party," wrote blogger Mark Kilmer at Red State.
— Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times
Comments (4)
It's not just a matter of Byrd stepping down, it's a matter of an embedded system of ineffectiveness based on ascension to power rather than constitutional obligations. The solution is term limits in order to break the political nepotism and introduce new ideas and solutions at least every eight years.
Posted by Larry Stone | April 15, 2008 2:13 PM
The problem with Sen Byrd is not so much what he did back in his Ku Klux Klan days as much as his current splashes of intemperate rambling and senseless outrage. Additionally, there is nothing in the state of West Virginia that he hasn't put his name on. The original idea of the founding fathers was the citizen-legislator who left their home to serve for a period in the government and then returned to their home and career. This philosophy allows fresh views and more input from the electorate because there would be no ensconced incumbents who use the power of government not to benefit the electorate but rather to maintain their own position of power. Sen. Byrd is a walking poster child for term limits.
Posted by TR | April 16, 2008 12:03 AM
The addictions of power, influence and fame enslave even those who enter public service with laudable intentions. I would like to believe Sen. Byrd simply overstayed his appointed time on stage.
"When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators." -- P. J. O'Rourke
Posted by John Wysocki | April 16, 2008 1:21 PM
"Sen. Byrd is a walking poster child for term limits."
Hoo boy, that's the truth. Doesn't say much at all for the intelligence of W. Virginians in keeping him in there, whatever federal tax largesse he's been able to suck into the state over the years. It's just made WV a welfare basket case.
Posted by Andy Eppink | April 16, 2008 3:06 PM