Article About Goodlatte's Broken Promise On Term Limits (2002)

Copyright 2002 The Daily News Leader (Staunton, VA)All Rights Reserved The Daily News Leader (Staunton, VA)
July 28, 2002 Sunday

Staunton, VA- U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte ended months of speculation about his political future Saturday morning, telling a gathering of 6th District Republicans that he intends to seek office after his next term in Congress ends in 2004.

The announcement nullifies a 12-year term-limit pledge Goodlatte, R-6th, made in 1992 when first running for office. "While it is too soon to launch any future campaign, I intend to stand for re-election beyond this year," Goodlatte said, much to the delight of the party faithful crammed into the Staunton City Council chambers.

Frank Nolen, chairman of the Augusta County Democratic Party and a former state senator, was surprised by Goodlatte's announcement."I thought he'd be a man of his word and keep his word," Nolen said. "I'm disappointed with him." Goodlatte, who will be unopposed in November in his bid for a sixth term, supported failed attempts to mandate term limits after Republicans took control of the House in 1994.

Since then, Goodlatte said he has come to the conclusion that term limits can only be effective if they are applied universally. "If only conservatives continue to leave after six or 12 years, then liberals will continue to become more powerful through their knowledge and seniority," he said.Nolen was not satisfied with Goodlatte's explanation."He didn't mention that when he said (he would serve 12 years)," Nolen said. "He knew at the time he couldn't impose them on everyone." While Goodlatte said he still supports term limits, Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, said he opposes mandatory limits and was pleased with Goodlatte's announcement."I'm sure many people will think he's gone back on his word, but I've never thought term limits were a good idea for the legislative or executive branches of government," Saxman said. Though Goodlatte said he was urged by many throughout the district to run again in 2004, he does anticipate a possible negative backlash. "Obviously when somebody changes their mind on something voters are going to have to pass judgment on that," he said.Bill Thomas, a 16-year resident of Rockbridge County, said he was pleased that Goodlatte will continue to run for Congress."I think he's done an excellent job, and I would hate to see him not run," Thomas said. "He's got a right to change his mind. I don't think that (term-limit pledge) got him elected." Nolen said Goodlatte's decision to continue to seek office was for "mostly personal" reasons, but said the aborted term-limit pledge will not be a major issue for Democrats in 2004. "It won't help us mobilize anyone," he said. "It's much easier to get someone to run for an open seat than against an incumbent."In his five previous bids for office, Goodlatte has run unopposed twice and taken no less than 60 percent of the vote in his three contested races. Pat Haley, chairman of the Staunton Republican Committee, thinks Goodlatte will continue to be a strong candidate.