Our democratic election system desperately needs to open up to new people and new ideas. But frankly, politicians aren't too keen on letting others compete for their jobs.
Incumbents have too many election advantages.
So many that few credible challengers are willing to even consider running. Again, don't hold your breath. Meehan campaigned for office as a reformer, promising to step down after four terms in office. He even wrote to the clerk of the House asking not to be listed on the roll of congressmen after 2000. Now he says he's grown in office.