A major problem in American politics is the refusal of political leaders of both parties to recognize when it is time to retire from the scene, and allow a new generation of leadership.
Too many US Senators and Congressmen stay on until their late 70s and early 80s, and this includes Governors and other state officials as well.
While there can be no official retirement age mandated, it seems appropriate that these political leaders accept reality, and allow for a generational change.
A great example is California, heavily Democratic, but led by people who should make clear that they will NOT run again past 2014.
This includes:
Governor Jerry Brown 76 (nearing 81 at end of next term in 2018); Senator Diane Feinstein 81 (with her term ending in 2018 at age 86 plus); Senator Barbara Boxer 73 (76 when she finishes her present Senate term at the end of 2016); and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi 74 (past 76 at the end of the next Congressional term in 2016).
Is it too much to expect that people in public office who are nearing age 81; age 86; age 76; and past 76 at the end of their present or future terms recognize it is time to leave, no matter how good a record they have in office?
Ego and power is what keeps these and other people in public office, but it is time for change and new faces in Congress and the state governments!