Posted on 09/01/2009 2:51:52 AM PDT by kingattax
An election to fill the Massachusetts Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Kennedy's death has been set by Gov. Deval Patrick (D).
The special election will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 19, the governor announced during a press conference this afternoon.
In the meantime, the governor said he hopes lawmakers will grant him the power to appoint a temporary replacement for the late Democratic senator, who first proposed the idea in the weeks before his death.
"The Congress is debating some of the most historic legislation in decades bound to affect all," Patrick said. "I support the special election and the democratic process to fill the remaining two years of Sen. Kennedy's term, but I will continue to work with the legislature to authorize an interim appointment for five months until that special election happens. This is the only way to ensure the citizens of Massachusetts are represented."
Despite his endorsement, the governor acknowledged the fate of Kennedy's request ultimately rests with the state legislature, which is currently away on recess. Although House and Senate lawmakers agreed today to expedite hearings on the proposal, Patrick emphasized during the press conference that the bill's passage was all but certain.
"On the merits, the proposal seems to me reasonable and wise," Patrick said. "I hope the members of the legislature, regardless of party affiliation, will see that too, and consider utmost the needs of our citizens to be represented in Washington over the next five months."
Patrick would not provide additional specifics, adding that it was "too soon" to speculate on possible candidates for the post. But he did tell reporters he would seek a "personal assurance" from his appointee that he or she would not also run for reelection.
And when asked whether he was contemplating his own bid for the open Senate seat, Patrick jibed, "No, I've got a job, I've got my hands full with this."
Weeks before his death?! Try days! What they really admit is that the delay by Kennedy was purposeful so as to force the situation where a placeholder, presumably to the liking of the Kennedy machine, would get a better shot at the special election by being seen (even if for just five months) as having Senator stature.
They are trying to extend their dynasty. When JFK was elected president they had a seat warmer in place to keep it open for the swimmer.
That is what the people of MA want. Government is their god.
I hope this election is HEAVILY CONTESTED by a conservative candidtae. We need to pour in millions of bucks if necessary.
Rev. Wright could move in and take over. He would be perfect.
I hope this election is Heavily contested by a conservative candidate( Sarah Palin)?????
We should be pouring in millions of dollars to get a conseravtive elected if necessary.
The Kennedy dynasty needs to be crushed. THEY BROUGHT US OBAMA!!!!!!
>Manipulative democrat scum
You are too kind. The words to describe the democrat vermin that the Massholes put into office
would make the devil himself blush.
My heart goes out to any decent people living in that political filth of a state.
The sheep in Mass. will fall in line.
Both time and money will be wasted “big time”, if conservatives really believe that an actual conservative can get elected in Massachusetts. The majority of Massachusetts voters are lifetime leftists, and this has been the case in Massachusetts for many decades and counting.
but being the true tyrant, ala Longshanks in Braveheart, he NEEDED to hold onto the throne til his last breath...
sow/reap...here and eternity...
There must be a 'family' feud over which Kennedy should be bequeathed this possession. Not exactly something the old 'lion' could have willed under the law. My guess is the 'wife' was the one who was trying to get the law changed under Teddy's name to short circuit one of the 'kids'. I doubt old Teddy even knew there was a fight brewing.
No, EMK’s “friend” GWB brought us Obama by inaction.
Ex post facto applies ONLY in criminal cases, and with EMK was criminal, this would be “civil” under MA law. People in MA will demand another Kennedy, the way the masses wanted Barabbas.
One of the possible reasons for the collapse of MA lies with the inept Republican Party there. The old Saltonstalls were decent people but unaware of the temerity of their opponents.
At a minimum we should help deplete their coffers a little more.
While true on it's face the Pubbies did get the Governor's office for something like 16 years. Yes, I know, MA Pubbies but the point is when the Dems go too far their supporters will consider a form of party checks-and-balances. I see reasonable possibility if the cards are played right by the right card player.
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