Washington (CNN) – Sen. Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina, proposed a constitutional amendment last year that would limit senators to serving two terms in Washington.
On Tuesday, he pledged to live up to that standard if he wins re-election in November.
"I haven't made any public promises about what I'm going to do in the Senate, but my intent is to serve no more than two terms," DeMint told CN2 News in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
DeMint, 58, limited himself to three terms when he served in the House from 1999 to 2005. He was asked if he intends to make a similar commitment as a senator.
"If the people in South Carolina give me a second term, and I am on the ballot this year, right now my plans are to make that my last and to give somebody else a chance at it," he said.
Vic Rawl, a Charleston County Councilman, is DeMint's likely Democratic opponent.
Updated: 7:05 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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It's already one term to many for you !!
Sen. DeMint, we already have what you have proposed. It's called elections. Under this process, the American people don't even have to allow lawmakers to stay in office more than 1 term.
Don't be fooled by this guy. He say anything to be reelected and then change his mind. This is the old GOP gimmick.?
I will except your resignation Sen. DeMint. Term limits for the senate is a good Idea, plus four years per term.
At least one republican that puts out there an excellent idea. Term limits for members of congress is needed in this country. I think they should not be allowed to run for office after three terms. Good for Mr. DeMint. Hopefully democrats will take this idea and will make it part of their platform.
Excellent. This can only be a good thing.
Congressional term limits NOW!!!!!!!
Ban congressional lobbying while we're at it.
Why not PROMISE?
"...and then I'll take my rightful place at the right hand of God."
Nice work DeMint, I am sure your word is as good as your governor[for what that is worth. You ,as one of the right wing hate mongering Racist's of the bible belt have no morals as far as truth and helping the needy. your main mission is tto keep your constituancy lesser educated so they feel obligated to keep you in office.Public information on radio and TV is slowly making your flock aware of the likes of you and other Bible Belt politicians. YOU WILL MESS UP OR MATTERS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP QUIET WILL BECOME PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND THEN you will have to FESS UP.
Our hope is that you won't even get that chance. How's that Waterloo thing workin' out for ya?
Jim, lets get serious here and add to your amendment a repeal of the 17th amendment allowing the state legislators to select there candidates and restore some checks and balances between the states and the federal government.
I wouldn't believe a word he says. He sounds like Montana's former republican senator, Conrad Burns, who campaigned on a platform that promised to push for term limits for senators. He promised he'd only stay on for two terms even if the reform didn't pass... then served 3 terms and tried for a fourth after the power went to his head, and got all bent out of shape when Montanans fired him and replaced him with a democrat.
We need a bill or constitutional admendment of term limits in congress. Some people have there way to looong. Members of congress forget that they are the employees of the American people, not of their political party. As Americans we have the power of the voting booth, like Obama stated,"that is why there are elections". We need to rid those who have forgotten why they are on the Hill and Oval Office.
Thats two too many for this nut job.
You won't be re-elected anyway DeMint.
We're tired of sending corrupt politicians to Washington.
Promises....Promises......
So when will the "serving" start and the obstructionism end? So far we've just seen him say NO and talk about President Obama's Waterloo.......that has become the gop waterloo...............What a loser.
Good, why don’t you give somebody else a chance beginning next November. Let’s hope it’s somebody that has actual ideas that’ll benefit ALL Americans and not just wealthy good ole boys, corporations and other special interest groups. And hopefully it will be somebody that’s results oriented instead of being media whoriented. Your snarky sound bites aren’t clever and your posturing for a run at the presidency is pathetic. Please do us all a favor and start contributing something that isn't totally self-serving.
Good, let South Carlolina have a weak Senator with low seniority.
Excellent! cause you suck
Way to go Jim! We absolutely need term limits to do away with crooked career politicians! It will be sad when Jim goes, especially since the crooks will still be there. Keep fighting for the constitution and individual liberties while we still have the priviledge of you as a senator!
It's South Carolina. Of course they will give dimwit another chance. He has to make sure that if the health care law was not President Obama's Waterloo he will think of something else.
South Carolina has some real creepy politicians, DeMInt is one of them.