Remember in the '90s when all those Republicans, acting on the Contract With America, got elected to Congress by pledging not to seek reelection after a certain number of terms, in support of their commitment to the concept of term limits?
Well, in 2004 and 2006, when it came time for many of these patriotic folks of integrity to step down according to their own solemn pledges, they suddenly decided that it's really, really important for them to keep their jobs and run for reelection. Breaking those inconvenient pledges was a sacrifice they were willing to make so that their country could have the benefit of such wonderful people having great government jobs.
Many of those congresspeople signed the Americans for Tax Reform's "Taxpayer Protection Pledge," vowing at the time of election to their voters to oppose tax increases.
So what is the position of these honorable lawmakers on breaking pledges, not to preserve their own jobs, but for the somewhat important purpose of preventing a United States default and potential national and international economic meltdown?
These are the congresspeople who BROKE their Pledge not to seek reelection (according to Open Congress), but are current signatories of the Pledge not to raise taxes:
Sen. Richard M. Burr (R-N.C.)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.)
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio)
Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia)
Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Texas)
Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio)
Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-Ill.)
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) - "(The movement to limit terms has) just petered out."
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) - She said that while she still supports term limits, she will not bind herself unless senators from other states also leave after two terms.
Rep. Timothy Johnson (R-Ill.) - "I underestimated the value of seniority."
Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) - "Term limits for the 2nd District only could put us at a disadvantage."
Rep. Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.) - "The pledge was a mistake."
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(edited to reflect that Barbara Cubin is no longer in Congress)
(edited to reflect that Ralph Hall signed the pledge as a Democrat, but is now a Republican)
Thanks to those who wrote in with corrections.