Remember how Republicans always called for term limits to reduce corruption on the Hill? Once again, the GOP has proven itself unable to keep its promises.

At least seven House members who at one point pledged not to run after the 2004 elections are gearing up for the 2006 campaign, according to a group that advocates term limits. Some of the lawmakers now say making the pledge was a mistake, while others say that while they endorsed the concept of term limits, they did not promise to limit their own service in Congress.

Paul Jacob, an official of the group U.S. Term Limits, identified the lawmakers as Reps. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo.; Phil English, R-Pa.; Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.; Tim Johnson, R-Ill.; Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J.; Mark Souder, R-Ind.; and Zach Wamp, R-Tenn. Jacob said they either signed term limit pledges or told the press they were going to limit themselves.

Link.

Although this is a somewhat overplayed issue, I still believe the Democrats need to hit this issue. This is something that could gain traction in some of these seats, too. Look at their 2004 reelection rates:

• Cubin: 55-42 (in Wyoming, a state that does have a Democratic Governor)
  
• English: 60-40 (but a district that Bush carried with only 51% in 2000)
  
• Flake: 79-21 (but a district that Bush carried with only 54% in 2000)
  
• Johnson: 61-39 (but a district that Bush carried with only 54% in 2000)
  
• LoBiondo: 65-33 (but a district that Bush lost with 42.9% in 2000)

Souder and Wamp look pretty undefeatable, but Cubin, English and LoBiondo can realistically be beaten in 2006. The Dems must hammer them early and often, and one effective way to hit them is on their broken promises on term limits. Let's give it a try, at least.