Senior service

Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey is running for re-election.

Nothing surprising there. Politicians do it all the time. In fact, it’s almost news when they don’t decide to keep feeding at the public trough — I mean nobly serving the taxpayers.

What is unusual with Lautenberg, however, is his age. He’s 84. Do the math. If he is re-elected to another six-year term, he will be 90 when it’s over. If he isn't over first.

Sure, we’ve all heard of old folks who are spry and sharp in their 80s and 90s.

But Strom Thurmond served in the U.S. Senate until he was 100, and that was clearly a term or two too long.

Right now, Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia is 80, and he too is clearly past his prime.

Members of Congress need a retirement age. The new slogan ought to be “80 and out.”

Experience can be a good thing. Too much of it is not so good.