Push for Kennedy Successor Stirs Political Storm
BOSTON — A Democratic push to appoint a successor to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy is sparking a political tempest in Massachusetts, infuriating Republicans and dividing Democrats who only five years ago passed a law requiring that voters decide on Senate vacancies.
On a day when members of both parties paid their respects to Mr. Kennedy, a Democratic icon who died this week of brain cancer, Republicans accused Democrats of hypocrisy. In 2004, the state’s Democrat-controlled legislature changed the law to prevent the governor from appointing an interim successor after a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant. Instead, the new law requires that a special election be held between 145 and 165 days after the position becomes vacant.
At the time, Democratic Sen. John Kerry was running for president and Massachusetts had a Republican governor, Mitt Romney. Proponents of changing the law argued that a gubernatorial appointment was undemocratic and that only voters should decide on a replacement. Democrats also feared Mr. Romney would appoint a Republican.
Now, with Mr. Kennedy dying three years before his term was up, some Massachusetts Democrats are reversing course, calling for Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint an interim replacement to hold office until the special election can be held. They now argue the state shouldn’t be without full Senate representation for months, especially with pressing issues such as health care before Congress.
The Massachusetts situation is the latest to erupt over filling vacant U.S. Senate seats, following particularly messy appointments in New York and Illinois.
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fernstalbert Says:
Change the rules as necessary to uphold the Kennedy legacy. What a load of brown sugar – I hope there is an internecine struggle worthy of the National Enquirer. It would seem that two Kennedys are interested in the Senate seat – the ever green crusader, Joe Kennedy and the 2nd wife – a political opportunist from Louisiana. Should be worth a few bags of popcorn and brewskis from the safety of my comfy chair and remote. I take dibs on the wife, she comes from a state where political shenanigans are considered normal. She will have a natural sympathy as she was able to rehabilitate Senator Kennedy’s image. Cheers.
Posted on August 28th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Mac Says:
It would seem the Dems of Massachusetts are being hoisted on their own petard… Pity!!
Posted on August 29th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Mr.g Says:
How hard could it be to find ANOTHER silverspoon,multi-millionaire socialist politician in Massachusetts that is constantly drunk and shuffles around Sh#T-faced drunk at parties with his pants around his ankles grabbing womens asses?
Posted on August 29th, 2009 at 9:10 am