I have no objections to having older people serve in public office if they are able to keep up the pace. In other words, they should have robust health.

But trying to put the blame on voters for voting for incumbents is missing the point. Most voters really have no idea on what their representives are doing and how they are doing it. We really don't--and can't--follow these people around to see if they are up to the job.

Even so, the first loyalty of any elected politician is to the political party, not the people who voted for him or her.

It's time for a new way.