Klein: Longevity is the Problem

Joe Klein of Time says the problem with politicians like Rangel and Waters is longevity, and I'm inclined to suspect he is right. Ironically, the laws that force supermajorities of blacks and Hispanics into congressional districts tend to bring about long-serving minority politicians. This enhances the possibility for abuse of position. So very indirectly, race is also the issue.

See the Barone article cited below for a discussion of other unintended consequences of creating "safe" districts for minority legislators.