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AmSpecBlog
The Politics Behind Ted Kennedy's Plea
The Washington Post makes note of a letter from ailing Sen. Ted Kennedy asking Massachusetts lawmakers to more rapidly fill his Senate seat should a vacancy occur. "I strongly support that law and the principle that the people should elect their senator," Kennedy wrote in the letter. "I also believe it is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices speaking for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election."
Rather unaccountably, the Post doesn't mention why the state law was changed in 2004 to get rid of interim gubernatorial appointments: Democrats were afraid that if John Kerry won that year's presidential election, Mitt Romney would name a Republican to succeed him in the Senate. Republicans who have been appointed to countywide elected offices by GOP governors have a decent track record at the ballot box in the next election, unlike the sacrificial lambs the Bay State GOP recruits to take on Democratic incumbents.
Massachusetts has a Democratic governor now, however, so state Democrats have nothing to fear from an interim senator. And all the better for Kennedy to influence the selection of his replacement.
Comments
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Tim| 8.20.09 @ 2:06PM
Senor Ferrari: As the leader of all illegal activities in Casablanca, I am an influential and respected man.
Nobama| 8.20.09 @ 2:47PM
Massachusetts is Teddy's private fiefdom.
David| 8.20.09 @ 3:14PM
Sure is polite of the folks from Massachusetts to make a boy from Illinois feel right at home.
Oldefarte| 8.20.09 @ 4:21PM
If the people of Massachusetts were SMART [which they are NOT and never have been], they would avoid electing anyone whose last name is KENNEDY, KERRY, OBAMA, DEAN, SCHUMER, PILOSI, REID, RANGEL, CONYERS,etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yeswecan| 8.20.09 @ 5:28PM
Its really of no signifigance who they replace him with or who he appoints.Our country is no longer run by our constitution,unless it fits thier agenda,therefore the the person they choose must also fit thier agenda. Politicians are nothing more than PR puppets .This will be proven (again)when the Obamacide "Health Plan"is passed.He has already proven to be what he is and that is a socialist.His tactics are common to dictators as is the paranoia and hatred to any opposing oppinion.Your rights are all but gone and so your voice will soon follow.Can we take it back?"yes we can".
Raoul Ortega| 8.20.09 @ 8:27PM
For the last few months the Senator from Chappaquiddick hasn't shown up for votes or to attend committee meetings. And Little Canada has got along just fine with just John F.Kerry (did you know he served in Viet Nam?) as its sole senator.
Is he afraid that if he did resign, he might suddenly get better and live on for years as a private citizen, like the rest of us?
Eric Dondero| 8.20.09 @ 8:50PM
I'm hearing libertarian Republican State Senator Bob Hedlund may be the choice on the GOP side to run for the seat, if there's a special.
Frank Dollinger| 8.21.09 @ 2:09AM
If Teddy K had tried as hard to get Mary Jo out of that car as he is trying to get that Health Care Bill passed,and get one of his family appointed senator,she would still be alive,and he would have ben elected President.
J| 8.21.09 @ 7:14AM
In MA, the dems version of rule of law is like changing your shoes to match your purse.
Pingback| 8.21.09 @ 8:02AM
The B&R Friday Edition | Black & Right links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Nobama| 8.21.09 @ 5:23PM
Yeah, but the shoes and purse are always the same democrats. Nothing new there.
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