There’s no question the United States Congress is ripe with legislative experience. The question of how much experience is too much could be on the minds of some voters.
The average age of U.S. House members is 58. That average in the Senate is 64. And many representatives and senators are much older. Wednesday 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced a second freezing episode in about a month. Al Cross is director emeritus at the University of Kentucky Institute for Rural Journalism. The longtime journalist said congressional members are not likely to back any mandatory retirement age requirement.
“The conversation about it I think could have an effect on people in public life to make them think again about hanging it up when they should. It’s very difficult for someone in a powerful position to do that,” said Cross.
Cross said the people subject to any type of age limitation are not likely to impose such a limit. While younger voters may express more concerns about the age of those in Washington, Cross doesn’t think that will make much difference because many are not engaged in the political process.
Cross noted at some point health issues can be too great a burden for those serving and their loved ones.
“That clearly seems to be the case with Diane Feinstein. I am not ready to say it’s the case with Mitch McConnell because what we have here seems to be an episodic problem,” said Cross.
Cross said it’s not just Congress where age is being discussed. He says a political poll last week showed 77% indicating both President Biden and Former President Donald Trump were too old to serve in that capacity.
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