Another issue is the concentration of lobbyists. Under the 17th, all of the lobbyists are concetrated in one area: Washington. If it was repealed, they would be spread out among the 50 state capitals. This would make their lobbying efforts more difficult at a minimum.
An interesting and educational thread. Thank you for posting it.
I have a question. The equal protection clause of the 14th amendment, if I understand correctly, guarantees that all are equal before the law. How else is this essential type of equality guaranteed by our Constitution? Or, was that left up to the States?