Voters decide if age is factor

Lets’ be upfront, this is in no way an endorsement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who decided at the age of 84 to run for re-election to the U.S. Senate. But rather, an endorsement of the democratic process.

A democratic process characterizes a system of government that is “of, by and for” the people. “Of the people” implies that the government is composed of regular citizens. “By the people” denotes that the government is elected by its citizens. “For the people” implies that the primary objective of the government is to act in ways beneficial to the people.

The Democratic Senator from California was first elected in 1992 and if re-elected she would be a nonagenarian by the end of the six-year term.

Many have said and with her recent announcement will continue to say she is too old to be representing the state.

That she has lost touch with the progressives of the party.

That she needs to step aside and let younger candidates. As a result of her longevity, Feinstein has worked her way onto several major committees — Judiciary, Intelligence and Appropriations — making her a powerful ally on both sides of the aisle and a major player in Washington.

She will face challenges from within her party and from outside of it. They better be prepared to run on more than just their fresh faces.

The only age limit for running for U.S. Senator is that they have to be at least 30 years old. She easily meets that criteria. From there it’s up to the voters to decide if the candidate is is capable of doing the job. That’s the process.