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Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd were two examples of Senators staying way too long. At the end, the Senate writ large - and the Senator's staffers - basically functioned as a daytime care facility for them. I feel bad for Feinstein. One of my early outlets on Capitol Hill was working for a radio station in Los Angeles, and I well remember Feinstein's arrival. 30+ years later - is it really worth it to stay on until you are basically too old to enjoy your life?

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The staffers who help escort the ailing lawmaker are often just kids in the office. They are 20-somethings who are just trying to move up the ladder on Capitol Hill, and certainly did not sign up to be a home health aide.

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It's sad to read that the lady Democrats can't see the difference between McConnell's injury, which just impacts his mobility and is healing vs. Feinstein's cognition issues which are degenerative. I respect someone, be it a Senator or President who knows when it's time to go. Reminds me of rock bands touring well past their prime.

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Well now you've got me googling Clinton Sock Drawer case.

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I’m 72 and coach high school kids. I recognize I’m not as sharp as I once was. I’m gonna retire, hopefully gracefully, when I’m 75. These lawmakers stay strictly q out of ego and their staffs encourage it because they keep their jobs and their power.

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I can't tell you how many times I stand there off the House and Senate floor and quietly think to myself about older lawmakers, "Why aren't you home drawing your retirement and just relaxing?" Some are very effective as they age. Most of them are not. I always feel bad for the poor staffer who has to walk their boss around Capitol Hill like they're dealing with a sick grandparent.

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I'm curious. Are those staffer-guides legacy people who have done that thru several or many reelections or does the party or someone else replace them from time to time?

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