Can Republicans take over Committees if Johnson unable to vote in January? (vanity)

[AZRepublican]

I am just curious about something....when Senate reconvines on Jan 4 they will be one vote short in adopting rules governing the senate's organization because Sen. Johnson will recovering and unable to cast a vote. Could republicans then control who heads to committees? I'd love to see Patrick Leahy get the boot.

[DTogo]

Too many "moderate" Republicans wouldn't think that would be fair as the people have spoken and elected a Democrat majority, so they should be entitled to chair all the Committees - let's roll over and play dead as part of the "new tone in Washington."

Highly cynical view, but probably not far from reality.

[Obadiah]

Nope. Johnson would have to either resign, or pass on, before any further steps could be taken. The next step in that case would be the appointment of a replacement. Johnson could be in a coma for the next two years and still maintain the seat.

Having said that, I do hope the guy recovers fully and is able to establish a personal relationship with his Creator if he hasn't already.

[silverleaf]

As long as Johnson holds office whether he votes or even attends Senate sessions- the democrats will have the majority. But if Johnson is unable to cast his vote, the Republicans have enough votes to obstruct.

Since the beginning of the Bush presidency the democrats have shown obstruction to be an artful way of gamesmanship governing but I predict the GOP is too public minded to use it so ruthlessly as did Daschle.

[Jane Austen]

Of course they can.

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

I believe only if he is unable to vote due to severe deadness. Otherwise demoncrats have control.

[Sir Hailstone]

As far as I know, yes. If by some circumstance Sen. Johnson dies or is "incapacitated" then the SD Gov. (an R) appoints a replacement and we're at a 50-50 tie.

[silverleaf]

"the people" elected Jim Jeffords as a Republican too. For what good that did.

If there is any precedent of a democrat governor choosing a Republican to assume a vacated Republican Senate seat then I will listen to that argument about "the will of the people".

[cherry]

public minded?......more like wuzzes.......

[COBOL2Java]

I do hope the guy recovers fully and is able to establish a personal relationship with his Creator if he hasn't already.

My sentiments exactly. His colleague Senator Thune said that he's a good guy, notwithstanding his politics. Prayers for him and his family.

[Mo1]

Could republicans then control who heads to committees?

Only on committees that Johnson is on .. if he doesn't resign

Or if they could convince Joe Lieberman to side with Republicans

Though I wouldn't hold my breath on that

[Obadiah]

Highly cynical view, but probably not far from reality.

Actually, I'm a bit surprised that we haven't already started to hear rumblings of what you suggest. Should this all come to pass, I believe that you can bet your last dollar that that will be the EXACT refrain from the NYTimes and liberals everywhere.

Further adding to your cynicism is my belief that Republicans will cave in to this and would in fact appoint a Dem replacement.

[GoBucks2002]

Highly cynical view, but probably not far from reality.

I believe the VP can only vote to break a tie. With 99 Senators, such ties are unlikely. On party lines, it's 50-49 Dem basically. So they'll still keep a majority.

So I don't think Johnson's absence creates a problem for the Dems. Were he to die or forced to resign, then it would create a 50-50 Senate, (assuming Rounds appointed a Republican) with Cheney breaking ties (assuming total GOP unity and standing on principle, which we all know is a pipe dream).

[TomGuy]

As long as he is breathing, he retains his position.

Several Senators have been incapacitated for periods of time and still retained their seats.

Unless he dies, or until he or his designated decision maker offer his resignations, he retains his Senatorial status.

The only provision (IIRC) is that on mandatory votes, the Senator must vote IN the Senate. He cannot 'call in' a vote. [Recall that Senator Thurmond was actually carried in a hospital bed into the Senate chamber to cast a crucial vote.]

Dems will probably keep the Senator on life support to retain their power. Daschle is supposed to be on his way to sit with the Senator, and Reid reportedly stayed the night at the hospital.

[sgtbono2002]

I know Vermont is a weird little state full of libral dipsticks,but how can they vote to send this Leahy character back to sit in the Senate.

Are they all traitors up there.
Would they all divulge any secret the US had to get their nams in th paper? You almost have to judge a people by the folks they elect to Represent them. Is Leahy what they want to represent them? Obviouly he is. Doesnt say much for them.

Then you have to look at another side of it. I live in Maryland and I dont like being represented by Cardin, Mikulski, or Steny Hoyer either.but there is little I can do about it as long as the Refugees from DC who live in PG county keep electing these democrats.

[JerseyHighlander]

We should wait until lunch EST before we start this line of discussion, don't you think.


I believe he got beaned in the head with a media softball during his media conference call. This might not be anything more than a blood clot or something relatively minor at this point.

[Doc Savage]

Yeah, I hope he recovers too, so that he can kneel before God and repent for having been a leftist tool working against the betterment of mankind for the pure purpose of attaining political power!

[Mo1]

then the SD Gov. (an R) appoints a replacement and we're at a 50-50 tie.

No .. it would be 50 Repub - 49 Dem - 2 Ind. (who vote/side with Dems)

[Obadiah]

...which we all know is a pipe dream.

Yep, you are a dreamer, alright.

[thepresidentsbestfriend]

Right on,let`s hope he recovers so that he can vote for all the democrat evils.HEAVY SARCASM

btw I hope he recovers also,but only to retire.Unless God would grant him a miracle that would have him recover and cross the floor.