Under voter-approved Proposition 28, first-term lawmakers may spend a dozen years in one chamber, down from 14 years split between the two houses under the original terms limit law enacted in 1990.
For this year’s election – just the first regularly scheduled vote since the rule was changed – at least 15 freshmen declined the chance for an open Senate seat, staying put rather than losing seniority, the benefit of relationships, and knowledge of the Assembly.
Eric Jaye, a Democratic political consultant, said he’s talked with many of the first-term lawmakers and believes the measure is reducing the influence that many say lobbyists and their employers gained in the Capitol when term limits began. Freshmen lawmakers now are more focused on learning policy and getting ahead in the Assembly rather than finding a Senate or congressional seat to seek, he said.
“There are so many so-called ‘reforms’ that do so little,” he said. “This is already one that you can see is making a difference.”
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/27/6356495/with-12-years-to-serve-new-california.html
