Bev Perdue: Suspend Congressional elections for two years

[dicktater]

But, was it really a joke?

Perdue jokes about suspending Congressional elections for two years
Submitted by jbfrank on 2011-09-27
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UPDATED: File this in the random-things-politicians-say file.

Speaking to a Cary Rotary Club today, N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue suggested suspending Congressional elections for two years so that Congress can focus on economic recovery and not the next election.

"I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that," Perdue said. "You want people who don't worry about the next election."

The comment -- which came during a discussion of the economy -- perked more than a few ears. It's unclear whether Perdue, a Democrat, is serious -- but her tone was level and she asked others to support her on the idea.(Read her full remarks below.)Later Tuesday afternoon, Perdue's office clarified the remarks: "Come on," said spokeswoman Chris Mackey in a statement. "Gov. Perdue was obviously using hyperbole to highlight what we can all agree is a serious problem: Washington politicians who focus on their own election instead of what’s best for the people they serve."

The Republicans sure are taking it seriously as they look to score political points. Here's a statement from GOP spokesman Rob Lockwood:

“Now is a time when politicians need to be held accountable more than ever. To suspend an election would be removing the surest mechanism that people have to hold politicians accountable: the right to vote. Does the Governor not believe that people of North Carolina have the ability to think for themselves about whether or not the actions of elected officials are working?"

UPDATED: GOP House candidate Paul Coble didn't think much of Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue's idea that congressional elections be suspended for two years so Congress can concentrate on the economy.

“That’s a proposal that only the politicians that have worsened our economic mess could appreciate,” said Coble, who is chairman of the Wake County commissioners. “Governor Perdue and the politicians in Washington may fear the message voters send next November.”

Perdue's full statement:"You have to have more ability from Congress, I think, to work together and to get over the partisan bickering and focus on fixing things. I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that. The one good thing about Raleigh is that for so many years we worked across party lines. It's a little bit more contentious now but it's not impossible to try to do what's right in this state. You want people who don't worry about the next election."

[Ry]

That woman is an embarrassment to NC.

[Lemek]

I like Jesse Ventura's idea of a single six-year term for congressmen.

[dicktater]

I like Jesse Ventura's idea of a single six-year term for congressmen.

Why run the risk they'll be there that long. We already have two-year limits, if the fucking voters would just use it. And, they still get a fucking pension. Make elected office a revolving door, not a career.

[Ry]

two years is plenty of time to do the right thing. They just dont work they lobby and bribe and sit and do nothing and wait for commands form 200 page bills written by outsiders.

[Lemek]

I like Jesse Ventura's idea of a single six-year term for congressmen.

Why run the risk they'll be there that long. We already have two-year limits, if the fucking voters would just use it. And, they still get a fucking pension. Make elected office a revolving door, not a career.

That's what he means. A SINGLE six-year term. No reelection, no career. Personally, I think public office should be like jury duty.

[Ry]

I dont think you should ever be allowed to rule from afar. make all money based lobbying illegal and inact clean election laws.