Changing Members

Changing Members presents a fascinating case study of the impact of term limits on the Maine state legislature, a pre-eminent citizens' legislature. Carefully researched and well written, this study has important implications for term limits in other states. -- John C. Green, Director, Bliss Institute, University of Akron
Term limits—the most significant institutional change in American legislatures in decades—are just now taking effect in fifteen states. Changing Members: The Maine Legislature in the Era of Term Limits provides a detailed look at the legislature that has had the most experience with limited legislative service. Rich in Maine context and insight into the legislative process, this book would be an excellent study of a legislature even absent term limits. -- Karl T. Kurtz, National Conference of State Legislatures
This is a well-written study, detailing the history of the term limits movement in Maine and its consequences. Changing Members will serve as a model for future case studies of the term limits phenomenon in other states. -- Gary Moncrief, Boise State University
Maine’s eight years of experience with term limits provide an early test of the lasting effects. Trends observed in Maine are likely to arise in other term limited states as they move beyond the initial period of shock and adjustment. Moen, Palmer, and Powell lucidly depict these adaptations and trends. Changing Members is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand how a legislature and its culture are affected by term limits. -- Rick Farmer
In this delightful, entertaining, and informative work, the authors examine the issue of term limits with a case study set in Maine. They capture the essence of its ambiguity and the irony of its many impacts on the political life and culture of the state. Summing up: Recommended. * CHOICE *
Changing Members is an exemplary case study of the impact of legislative term limits not only on the state legislature in Maine, but also on politics and power relationships throughout the state government. An invaluable source for those interested in the study of state government—in Augusta, Maine, and other state capitals as well. -- L Sandy Maisel, Director, Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, Colby College