The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Deval Patrick: Obama Involved in Mass. Senate Succession Wrangling

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Deval Patrick: Obama Involved in Mass. Senate Succession Wrangling

By W. James Antle, III on 9.18.09 @ 2:40PM

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick lets the cat out of the bag: President Obama has been pressing behind the scenes for the state to change its Senate succession law back to the way it was in 2004 so the Democrats can regain their filibuster-proof Senate majority. Not surprising, especially given the higher profile taken by other national party leaders, but not exactly the image the White House was going for. But perhaps necessary given their health care ambitions.

View all comments (5) | Leave a comment

ncatty| 9.18.09 @ 3:11PM

They were prepared to use the "reconciliation" rule to pass their bill, but would prefer not to. I say stop the unseemly appointment process and let Ted Kennedy cast a mortmain vote from the grave. Does anyone doubt how he would have voted?

Dollface| 9.18.09 @ 5:35PM

Is it legal to change the rules for filling the vacancy after it has occurred? I would think not. But then again, we are talking about Massachusetts, a state where the rule of law is dead.

Blacque Jacques Shellacque| 9.19.09 @ 2:20PM

If Republicans were smart, they'd be all over this, making sure that as many people know about these shenanigans as possible.

Of course, there's a reason they're called the "Stupid Party"....

martin j smith| 9.20.09 @ 8:06AM

And Obama is medling in the New York State governors race--he wants Paterson to step aside.
It all about Obama and of course his immediate advisors. The race card for example was played and orchestrated by
Obama as well in my view. Watch TV Sunday if you you dare. I wont. It too is all about.... you got it... Obama.