I have never figured out why DemonRAT spouses are always considered the logical replacement for a dead legislator. Could it be they go for the sympathy vote, instead of someone capable of doing the job? Or is it the money? Can the spouse just take over all the campaign funds without any oversight?
Can we please just ban spousal caretaker seats? this is not a monarchy. Spuses and children ought to be banned from running for a deceased's seat for one term.
Doris Matsui will win with an overwhelming majority of votes, a la Jean Carnahan. Sympathy votes.
Both parties, Republican and Democrat, should pass a rule that disqualifies the spouse of any elected person to assume, be nominated or run for election of their deceased, while in office, spouses position. If they want to run as an independent, they are free to do so. I'm tired of dead senators wives keeping the seat warm for either party.
I must confess that many years ago when I lived in Sacramento I knew Bob Matsui pretty well. We were in the "Active 20-30 Club" together. Which means we saw each other more than twice a month and talked many times over cocktails. I even met Mrs. Matsui socially. The Matsui's were very friendly and down to earth people. I was deeply saddened when I learned about the Congressman's death. Back then, he looked younger than most of the men in the club.