Time's up for term-limited lawmakers- Some are struggling with the situation
by Stephanie Grace - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

The issue in 1995 was legislative term limits, Vitter's signature accomplishment during his two terms in the state House. Voters approved that timed-release "Vitter pill," as some of the lawmakers he shamed into supporting the measure viewed it, and its harsh medicine finally kicks in this fall, three four-year terms later.

So, along with typical deadline negotiations over matters big -- the budget -- and small -- cockfighting -- the last days of the session featured a graduation of sorts, with sentimental good-byes and advice to the next generation, to "have a good sense of humor and a short memory," as retiring Rep. Glenn Ansardi put it.

But Rep. Danny Martiny didn't mince his words.

Noting that Jefferson's seasoned crew includes an astonishing nine committee chairs, Martiny, who hopes to move across the hall to the Senate, said the parish's voters are about to face the "stark reality" of what term limits really mean.

Sen. Art Lentini, meanwhile, who has apparently accomplished his long-sought goal of banning cockfighting in Louisiana, was more philosophical.

Although some won't talk publicly, Lentini said the mood among those being forced out runs the gamut. Some are clearly struggling with the situation, he said, while some are ready to leave, and "I'm one of them."

Had there been no David Vitter, no term limits movement, Lentini said he probably would have chosen the path of least resistance and run again. In retrospect, he said, he's grateful someone else made a different decision for him.

"I like term limits," he mused. "It makes you move on."