A former mayor of Chicago says it's time for the government to impose a mandatory retirement age ... but Illinois' senior U.S. Senator says he's not a fan of that idea.
Rahm Emanuel has been crossing the country as he explores a potential run for President. During an appearance Wednesday at the Center for American Progress, he called for a mandatory retirement age of 75 for all three branches of government as part of sweeping ethics reform.
"You can't do that in the military, you can't do that in corporate America, you shouldn't be able to do that in government," said the longtime Democratic politician and power broker. "Thank you for your service ... up and out."
Emanuel is 66 years old, and he said the retirement age would apply to him if he's elected to national office.
At the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on Thursday, reporters asked 81-year-old U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin whether he was concerned about older people in government.
"It doesn't trouble me the way it used to," said Sen. Durbin (D-Illinois) to chuckles from the crowd.
Durbin went on to suggest that retirement ages for specific categories, including Supreme Court justices, might be acceptable ... but a blanket retirement age ignores the experience and unique capabilities of older public servants.
"For some members of Congress, two years is too long, and for others 20 isn't long enough," said the senator, who is not seeking re-election this year. "The ultimate decision needs to be made by the voters."