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Massachusetts Close to Replacing Kennedy With a TempPosted on Sep 17, 2009
Democrats would like an interim senator to fill Ted Kennedy’s shoes until a January election provides a more permanent solution, and the Massachusetts House of Representatives on Thursday agreed to give Gov. Deval Patrick the power to appoint just such a person. Before an appointment is made, Patrick’s choice for interim senator will have to promise the governor not to run in the special election. The measure now moves to the state Senate, where it is expected to be bogged down by Republican delaying tactics. The issue is highly political. Democrats want to regain their 60th seat in the U.S. Senate—a crucial number because of parliamentary reasons—in order to win health care reform. Kennedy himself suggested this solution shortly before he died. Massachusetts Democrats pushed through a rule change to prevent then-Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, from naming the potential successor of 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry. The state’s current governor is not only a Democrat but a good friend of President Barack Obama. Among the rumored replacement candidates is former Massachusetts governor and presidential nominee Michael Dukakis. —PS
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By gmerkwertj, November 13 at 12:26 pm #
I agree wiht Lost Hills, Nader is the bewst for the position. Democracy for America.
Report thisRegards
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By Tina Hemond, September 19 at 7:05 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Just a point of information - The house vote (roll call) (via Boston Globe) shows that 47 Democrats and the 16 House members voted No re: interim replacement, which is now, according to a Rasmussen Poll, losing popularity - and my question is: with 6 Republican’s in the Mass. Senate, (and everyone in Mass. knows this), how does one reasonably expect them to be able to delay anything, unless of course, they are assisted by roughly the same percentage or greater of Democrats who are receiving complaints from mainly unenrolled constituents re: an interim appointment, as their counterparts in the State Legislature. To consider either the Democrat and/or Republican Party in Mass to hold any sway anymore is ludicrous - the Unenrolled (51% as of 2008’s general election and growing) are the predominant force in Mass. politics now. Therefore, any polling done (likely or registered voters) that does not accurately reflect the make-up of the state, cannot accurately predict an outcome.
Report thisBy 24hrlib, September 18 at 9:51 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
According to Governor Howard Dean recently they don’t need a 60 majority to pass health care. He’s suggesting only 50 to pass a public option (which they have).
Report thisBy Rodger Lemonde, September 18 at 10:42 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
voice of truth
Report thisIt is democracy none the less.
By voice of truth, September 18 at 10:02 am #
What a subversion of democracy
Report thisBy LostHills, September 17 at 11:26 pm #
I’m for it, if they appoint Ralph Nader….
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