The Michigan Tea Party (the ballot-qualified party), which most observers feel is an insincere party artificially created by Democrats, recently nominated 23 candidates. But two of them will not appear on the ballot because they are under age 21. The Michigan Constitution requires legislators to be age 21 or older. See this story.
One of the candidates who is being removed from the ballot was running in the 13th State Senate district. This is one of the most closely-balanced State Senate districts in Michigan. Last time voters chose a State Senator in this district, in 2006, the vote for the two major parties had been: Republican 57,204; Democratic 56,484. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the link.
I am opposed to age limits for ANY office. Let the voters decide if the candidate is qualified.
It is certainly rational to impose an age limit of 18 years for all public office. Minors cannot legally do certain things that adults can do, such as sign certain kinds of contracts. An elected official needs the full legal powers that come with being a legal adult.
18 — old enough to vote, old enough to die in the military, NOT old enough to be a party hack state legislator ???