How’s this for a headline: “Allard Keeps Word”?

I’m speaking of Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado, who pledged to limit himself to two terms in office. He recently confirmed that his current term will indeed be his last.

Not a total stunner. Many other senators and representatives have abided by a term limits pledge. But there’ve also been a slew of alleged self-limiters, from George Nethercutt to Tom Tancredo, who catch Potomac Fever and discover that their word of honor isn’t as valuable as they once thought.

It’s valuable to Senator Allard. He says, “When I first announced for Congress, I made a pledge to be a citizen legislator and serve in the Jeffersonian ideal of public service where you serve for a period of time and then return to live under the laws you have helped enact. . . . In an age when promises are cast away as quickly as yesterday’s newspaper, I believe a promise made is a promise kept.”

Unlike so many who leave the high public throne of federal officehood, especially “the Club,” the U.S. Senate, I have a strong suspicion Dr. Allard won’t pine for Washington after his term ends. After all, he has always looked at politics as a public trust, not a personal opportunity.

Allard probably won’t go down in history as the world’s greatest political dealmaker, either. But that wasn’t his goal. He’ll be remembered, instead, as a good and honest representative, the kind of guy you might want as a father, brother, neighbor, friend.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.