Term Limits - Absolutely Needed

My name is Russell McAlmond, and I'm running for the United States Senate to represent the great state of Oregon. As a long-term Oregonian and raised on the principles of hard work and community service—I've seen firsthand how our federal government has drifted far from the people it serves.

That's why, if elected, I pledge to serve no more than two terms in the Senate.

After two terms, I will voluntarily step down and return home to Oregon, making way for a fresh voice to carry our state's banner in Washington. This isn't a gimmick; it's a promise rooted in the belief that career politicians breed corruption, entrench lobbyist influence, and stifle true representation.

Congress must impose term limits to restore accountability and prevent the toxic cycle of money-driven politics.The Founding Fathers never envisioned a professional political class. James Madison warned in The Federalist Papers that prolonged power could lead to "ambition counteracting ambition" devolving into self-serving factions.

Yet today, the average Senate tenure exceeds 10 years, with many incumbents clinging to office for decades. This longevity isn't born of superior wisdom but of a system rigged for reelection. Without term limits, politicians prioritize survival over service, becoming beholden to the very interests they should regulate.Consider the corruption that festers with time in office. Freshman legislators arrive with ideals, but as years turn to decades, they morph into insiders.

The Center for Responsive Politics reports that incumbents win reelection over 90% of the time, thanks to name recognition, staff support, and—most insidiously—campaign war chests swollen by special interests. A 2022 study by the Campaign Legal Center found that members of Congress who serve longer than 12 years are twice as likely to receive contributions from PACs tied to industries they oversee.

This isn't coincidence; it's corruption by design. Long-term politicians trade votes for donations, embedding themselves in a web of lobbyists who fund their perpetual campaigns.Lobbying is the lifeblood of careerism. In 2023 alone, over $4 billion was spent on federal lobbying, per OpenSecrets.org, with top spenders including pharmaceutical giants, Wall Street firms, and energy conglomerates.

These aren't charitable gifts; they're investments expecting returns. A senator in their third or fourth term, facing multimillion-dollar reelection bids, can't afford to bite the hand that feeds. Take the example of opioid crisis legislation: Despite public outrage, reforms were watered down because Big Pharma donated heavily to veteran lawmakers on key committees.

Career politicians don't just accept this money—they court it, hosting fundraisers in D.C. swamps where access is auctioned to the highest bidder.Term limits would sever this umbilical cord. By capping service—say, at 12 years for senators and 6-8 for House members—we'd inject turnover, forcing politicians to focus on policy over perpetuity. Evidence from states with term limits proves it works.

In Michigan, where legislative terms are limited, a 2019 University of Michigan study showed reduced earmarks and pork-barrel spending, as lawmakers knew their time was finite and couldn't build empires of favors. Nationally, presidents are term-limited to two terms under the 22nd Amendment, preventing monarch-like rule.

Why exempt Congress?

Critics claim term limits rob us of experience. Nonsense. Expertise comes from staff, not seat-warming. George Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, setting a precedent until FDR broke it—prompting the amendment. Oregonians deserve senators who fight for logging reforms, wildfire funding, and affordable healthcare without owing favors to out-of-state donors.

A two-term limit ensures fresh perspectives: a farmer from Eastern Oregon today, a tech innovator from Portland tomorrow.As your candidate, I reject careerism. I'll serve two terms max, then return to private life—perhaps teaching at Oregon State or advocating for veterans. No pensions for life, no revolving door to K Street.

This pledge isn't just personal; it's a call for congressional term limits via constitutional amendment. Polls show 80% of Americans support this, per Pew Research, crossing party lines because we all see the rot.Oregon, we've sent good people to D.C. before, but too many stay too long. 

Elect me, Russell McAlmond, and I'll prove one voice can change the system - from the inside, for a limited time. Together, let's end the era of career politicians and reclaim government for the people. Two terms and out: that's my word, and Oregon's future.