Should there be limits on serving in Congress?

You know there comes a time when we have to say that there should be some kind of limit on people who serve in the Senate.

Let me first say this is nothing to do with party or affiliation.

But I'm going to use Ted Kennedy as my prime example.

He knew he was dying, he knew he wouldn't be able to serve out the rest of his term most likely. I think he should have resigned in January when he had a seizure at the Inauguration Luncheon.

He missed more votes than he was able to make this session. I understand why, however, I fully believe that if he couldn't do his job that he should have stepped aside and let someone be nominated, or a special election held before he passed on.

Which bring me to what I'm rambling about. Before these people in congress get to the point where they are trying to serve with severe health issues, wouldn't it be better for them to step down, and resign? Ted Kennedy could have remained a very visible part of congress mentoring and helping a new person take his place, but he chose to stay, now his state is scrambling for a special election.

Who is to say what a good term number would be?
But I can't help but think that Sen. Edward Kennedy missed an opportunity to help shape his party further. Now, I feel like a huge part, backbone, of the party is gone, and right now an empty seat remains.

Five or six months is not a long time for a state to hold a special election.

Who will take his place?
How will a person feel having to step into the shoes of filling the slot no matter which party he comes from of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

The Constitution limits presidents to 2 terms or 8 years, but there is no provision in the constitution limiting people in Congress, or on the Supreme Courts. These people are lifers, they retire when they want and there is no pressure to do so. Look at Chief Justice Rehnquist, his death left Bush scrambling to replace 2 seats on the court at the same time.

I strongly feel that there should be a clause or something, and I don't know how it should be written, that if a congress member or Supreme Court Justice is unable to do his job the majority of the time he should step down. Health problems like brain cancer is not something people would judge Kennedy for, or Rehnquist, and his health problems. People would rally around them and support them, and help them to the best of their ability.

The voters have the ability to not return someone, however, I am thinking a maximum of 20 years? I dunno I'm flexible with the numbers, I'm just thinking how we can try prevent another vacant seat caused by a death in Congress or the Supreme Court due to long term health issues.

Just some rambling thoughts I would appreciate some input on.
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