Term-limits fight returns to California

An organization that works to limit the amount of time elected officials may serve in office has come out against a proposed change to California's term-limits law.

Philip Blumel, president of the Virginia-based U.S. Term Limits, said the proposed state constitutional amendment "will lengthen the terms that can be served in either house of the Legislature."

Under current state law, lawmakers may serve up to three two-year terms in the Assembly and two four-year terms in the state Senate. The proposal, backed by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, would allow members to serve 12 years total in Sacramento, but serve that time in either legislative house.

The measure is currently gathering signatures, and could be on the November ballot. It is similar to a measure that was narrowly rejected by voters in 2008.

"If this amendment passes, Californians would see more entrenched career politicians in Sacramento putting the state into financial ruin, not less," Blumel said.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento