Posted on 12/16/2006 5:18:58 PM PST by Pontiac
Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., was in critical condition Saturday and resting from brain surgery. In South Dakota, the governor said people were standing behind the stricken lawmaker and he urged patience during Johnson's recovery.
"At this point, no news is good news," said the senator's spokesman, Noah Pinegar.
GOP Gov. Mike Rounds, who would appoint a replacement if Johnson were to leave office, said, "It just happens that we have one of our friends, one of our colleagues, who is going through a tough time. When that happens, we stand by him. And that's exactly what the people of South Dakota will do," Rounds spoke to reporters before delivering the winter commencement address at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, Johnson's home town.
Rounds said Saturday it was not appropriate to talk about the Senate's balance of power changing with the possible appointment of a Republican if Johnson's seat were to become vacant.
There is ample precedent for senators to continue to hold office while incapacitated. Unless Johnson's seat is vacated by his death or resignation, Democrats would retain the majority.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Lieberman is a liberal Democrat. He's only an "independent" because the Democrats fielded an even more liberal opponent. He's also stated he'll be voting with the Democrats. Jeffords was a RINO before declaring himself an "independent" in a self effacing effort to have the "deciding vote".
The Republicans supported Lieberman in favor of the Republican candidate who didn't have any hope of winning and the Democrat challenger who prefers a "cut and run" approach. Politics make strange bedfellows.
Haven't you seen the reports about Sen. Muntz, also from SD, who was absent for 4 years in the early 70's? And Biden, who was out for 8 months in the 80's? And what about Strom Thurmond, who didn't know where he was for years?
An elected Senator can serve out his term as long as he is still alive.
That’s just dumb.
How can a state be represented by piece of limp asparagus.
At least Strom made it to the Senate Floor.
NO, there's nothing obligatory about it. But it's commonplace for a senator who finds it inconvenient to get to a vote to ask for a pairing. If the other party refuses, then he may have to give up his plans and attend the vote. In Johnson's case, he might have to be wheeled in in a hospital bed and signal his vote in some way. But it's unlikely the Republicans would make him do that--apart from the fact that we still seem to have a 50-49 vote for the Dems.
I just googled for it, and couldn't find it for the US Senate, but here's the official definition for the Massachusetts Senate:
"Pairing of Votes - Procedure allowed in the Senate only, whereby a member, before the vote is taken, announces to the Senate that he or she has paired his or her vote with an opposing vote of an absent member. The two votes do not affect outcome of the final tally."
And you know the dims will assert that they can devine his "intent" and give a donk 2 votes. The second one for Johnson. I'm only sort of kidding.
It is a sad way to gain a seat. Poor guy. (obligatory post so that dim lurkers can't say we are as sick as they).
But that's precedent. And, no, Strom didn't always make it to the Senate floor.
And there are other reasons why Senators don't bother. I think Kerry was mostly absent during his Presidential campaign.
We don't elect Congressfolk based on their willingness (or ability) to show up. That would be new.
It just struck me kinda sideways...can one go jogging instead "resting" while in a critical condition?
Yeah...I know it is weird, but hey, my wife said I'm weird!
If Senator Johnson dies will the dems have a memorial for the senator or for their lost majority?
"Haven't you seen the reports about Sen. Muntz, also from SD, "
Wasn't his name Mundt? I was young then but I think it was.
Muntz was a TV brand by "Mad Man" Muntz. Late 50's.
Thanks for the correction.
And we break out the suds, It's Sam Adams time (I can't stand Miller)!
Thank you for being the guardian of social graces.
Sorry do not understand what does that mean?
"Pairing of Votes - Procedure allowed in the Senate only, whereby a member, before the vote is taken, announces to the Senate that he or she has paired his or her vote with an opposing vote of an absent member. The two votes do not affect outcome of the final tally."
This is entirely a voluntary agreement, usually a matter of courtesy to a colleague of the opposite party who could attend and vote but prefers to be elsewhere for some reason.
The idea is that if neither votes, the result is the same as if the absent person attended and they both voted in opposite ways.
Maybe it used to be standard procedure, in the good old, pre-Hillary days.
THE REAL HILLARY CLINTON: Episode #19 - Strom Thurmond Meets the Hillary Express
Biden sought to relieve the weary Thurmond, who by several accounts looked visibly unwell, by striking a deal where they'd both leave the Senate floor, cancelling out each other's vote on the important budget amendments at hand.But when Mrs. Clinton learned of Biden's kind gesture, she warned, "Joe, you're going to miss thirty votes" -- then tried to blame the prolonged session on Republicans.
Clinton prevailed, along with two other Democrats who echoed her arguments, and Thurmond was forced to endure the full debate
Here's an example of a time when Hillary nixed a pairing of Biden and Thurmond
Just a few nights before Sen. Jeffords switched, as Senate Democrats delayed the tax cut late into the night, Sen. Thurmond was visibly weary, and Sen. Joseph Biden wanted him to go home.Sen. Biden, not wanting to take partisan advantage during a crucial time, talked to Senate Democratic leaders about having one of their guys take the rest of the night off, as well.
The powers-that-be nixed the idea, and the session lasted an extra half-hour with the exhausted Sen. Thurmond. Republican senators were steamed at the leadership, but praised Sen. Biden for his concern: "It's an indication there are at least some people on that side of the aisle who are compassionate," said Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania.
I remember watching C-Span's coverage and being disgusted with Hillary, who was a barely a new senator, but was throwing her weight around like she had some senatorial seniority.
More on Dem treatment of Thurmond:
Sen. Thurmond Not 'Mentally Keen' - Sen. Hollings
Senator Says Thurmond Isn't 'Keen'
Should Johnson not survive, the Dems and their media pals will put a fullcourt press on the governor to name a Dem. Do any of us think they would do the same if the roles were reversed?
That, of course, was the new politics of hatred. Show no mercy when your enemies are down.
Yes, pairing is voluntary, a matter of consideration for your colleagues on the opposite side.
But it can certainly be argued that pairing should be reciprocal, that sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander, and more importantly, perhaps, that pairing should not be granted when it's an up-or-down vote on something so important as which side should be leading the Senate and its committees.
Since a 50-49 vote would still give the Democrats a lead, it probably won't arise. But I certainly agree that if your opponents refuse to observe the common rules of politeness and decency, there is no reason why you should do them any favors in return.
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