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--> --> Term limits lawsuit could give legislators new political life SALEM (AP) - Opponents of Oregon's term limits law were to be in court today urging a judge to toss out limits on how long lawmakers can serve, a move that potentially could give new life to 26 current legislators who are facing political extinction. If the lawsuit succeeds, it also could open the door to court challenges of dozens of other constitutional amendments enacted by voters over the years. The 2001 Legislature approved a bill allowing a quick start on lawsuits against term limits and providing for an appeal directly to the state Supreme Court, with the idea of getting a ruling on the law before next year's elections. State lawmakers are trying to overturn term limits on grounds that the law has hurt the legislative process by creating too much turnover. The lawsuit, pending in Marion County Circuit Court, takes aim at a law passed by Oregon voters nearly a decade ago that restricts House members to three two-year terms and senators to two four-year terms, with an overall 12-year cap on legislative service. Filed on behalf of two former lawmakers who were barred from seeking re-election, the lawsuit asserts that the measure was listed on the 1992 ballot improperly. The suit argues that the law is unconstitutional because it contained multiple amendments that should have been submitted to voters separately. Portland attorney Charles Hinkle will argue today that the 1992 term limits law was flawed because its provisions applied to state legislators, statewide officeholders and members of Congress. Congressional term limits have since been tossed by the courts. Court challenges of newly enacted ballot measures are nothing new. But Hinkle's lawsuit is noteworthy because it asks the courts to throw out a measure that was enacted by voters 10 years ago. If the courts agree with the lawsuit, dozens of constitutional amendments passed by voters over the years potentially could come under legal attack. Hinkle said it doesn't matter when an amendment was enacted by voters. "If it was adopted 100 years ago and it is now having an adverse impact on a person, then they should have the right to challenge it now," he said Monday. Meanwhile, term limits advocates are closely watching the proceedings in Oregon, one of 19 states with term limits but the only place at present where opponents are actively pursuing legal action to throw out the limits. Stacie Rumenap of Washington-based U.S. Term Limits said that even if the courts do throw out the 1992 law on technical grounds, "we will be open to running a new initiative in Oregon next year with even tougher term limits" on state lawmakers. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing