Under a bill approved by a House Judiciary subcommittee last week, terms for senators would increase from four years to six years, and terms for House members would increase from two years to four years.
Supporters, who seem to be all incumbents at this point, say the new rules would allow them to spend more time thinking about legislation and less time concentrating on the next election.
Who could disagree with that? From a vantage point outside the beltway of Columbia, seeing lawmakers hunker down over legislative research documents, scouting out methods to fully fund education or finding ways to pay for improvements to South Carolina's highway infrastructure would brighten the day for many. Down here on the coast residents know that people from all over the country enjoy the state's climate and the attractive property taxes. New arrivals are paying top dollar for property and driving prices, and taxes, through the roof. Lawmakers need to find a way to allow people to maintain their homes.
In addition to lower taxes, business owners also know there is more to locating a business here than a lower income taxes and a beautiful view of unspoiled vistas. For instance, a well-educated workforce and affordable housing availability are important for workers as well.
Of course, voters would have to approve a constitutional amendment before lawmakers could lengthen the time between elections. Voters go through the process of giving advice -- and consent -- at elections. Voters take a gamble with campaign promises every time they go to the polls. Sometimes they get a "pig in a poke," not realizing the disappointments ahead.
Before proceeding with this incumbent preservation act, voters might be more inclined to approve the changes if there was some limit to the number of terms a lawmaker could serve.