A full fifth all of senators elected in 2006 have been chapulines (a type of grasshopper that I once got really sick from eating in Oaxaca), meaning that they have left their senate seats to pursue even higher office, usually a governorship - 10 of them have been elected governors since 2006. From El Universal.
I wonder what the equivalent figures are from e.g. the United States and Argentina.
Articles like this really bother me. There is the perception that being a "chapulin" is bad, but public opinion is also against reelection. What are these individuals supposed to do?
ReplyDeleteNot sure about US or Argentina, but I think the figures are similar for Brazil. They are in David Samuels book.
I tend to agree, particularly for senators, though I think there is a question to be asked regarding representative democracy when one abandons one's elected position - and especially for those elected directly - very shortly after having assumed power. I think, for instance, Cárdenas' decision to step down as mayor of Mexico City after only 18 months on the job was foolish, and I think it is wrong for a senator, deputy, mayor, etc, to merely bow out after a very short time, say a year or so.
ReplyDeleteBut as for senators, I agree - for other federal republics with senates, it seems to be the most direct path at governorships.