ND initiative could be nationwide test case

North Dakota could make history in June when voters decide whether to place an age limit federal officer holders.
Supporters of the initiative turned in petitions (Friday) to satisfy the June 11th ballot. The proposal would ban a person from holding office if they turn 81 by December 31st of the year preceding the end of the term.
University of North Dakota political science professor Mark Jendrysik has said the North Dakota initiative could be an effort to create a test case for the U.S. Supreme Court to see if the court would be willing to allow states to set congressional age limits on an individual basis. In a 1995 congressional term limits case, the court ruled that states cannot set qualifications for Congress beyond those listed in the U.S. Constitution.
The oldest member of North Dakota’s three-seat congressional delegation is Republican Sen. John Hoeven who is 66.