Republican reverses his postion on repealing the 17th Amendment

Newly nominated Colorado Republican Senate candidate Ken Buck clarified on Friday a statement which he said he supported efforts to repeal the amendment allowing for the popular election of candidates like him to the United States Senate. He reversed his position on the governor of a state selecting the two US senators. 

The idea of repealing the 17th Amendment is a favorite among Tea Party goers in addition to being treated with credence by some of the GOP's intellectual heavyweights. They suggest this is a way to shift the balance of power (or at least political oversight) back to state authorities.

The Republicans are advocating that the direct election of Senators by the electorate be selected by the governor or legislature of a particular state. 

This is an anti-democratic idea that was rejected by the majority of the states in the early 1900s when the 17th Amendment was ratified. Such a change would produce senators who are oligarchs or party insiders. 

This is another example of tinkering with the constitution that would benefit the most affluent and privileged americans. It is surprising that the party of strict constructionism would even consider this idea. 

In backing away from his previous support, Buck joined several other GOP candidates who flirted with the notion of 17th Amendment repeal only to ultimately abandon it at a later date.

The list includes Steve Stivers in Ohio, and Vaughn Ward, an Idaho Republican who lost his primary race to a more devoted 17th Amendment repealer. One candidate who has not moderated his support for the idea is, Mike Lee, the Utah Republican who appears to be a shoo-in for the Senate.

source: Huffington Post

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