Posted on 09/14/2009 12:46:00 PM PDT by raccoonradio
U.S. Sen. John Kerry is making personal calls to on-the-fence lawmakers today asking them to support an interim U.S. Senator as national Democrats ramp up pressure for the measure.
State Rep. Martin Walsh (D-Dorchester) spoke to Kerry on his cell phone this morning.
“He made some good points. He talked about how constituent services would be hurt,” Walsh said. “I’m still uncommitted.”
Many state legislators are leery of the bill, which would allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint a temporary senator, because they voted to strip the governor of appointing powers in 2004 to prevent Gov. Mitt Romney from appointing a Republican. A Senate seat could have become vacant if Kerry won the presidential election.
Republicans have criticized the legislation as a power grab.
Supporters of the plan argue that constituent services will suffer because the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s office would be shut down as of Oct. 26 without an interim replacement. Local pols suspect the real pressure is to find support for President Obama’s controversial health care reform.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) - who several sources said supports the measure - polled members throughout the weekend.
The vote - which could happen as soon as Thursday - is close, especially in the Senate.
Kerry missed a lot of votes when he ran for Prez.
Kennedy missed 97 per cent of votes in the first 8 months of this year. He could have resigned and gotten the process going...and it was Ted who wanted the appointment process gone in ‘04 when it looked like Romney would appoint a Republican.
How much would get done anyway? the election is in a few months, and for part of the time they’d be in recess anyway (holidays)
Remarkable how “constituent services” would not have been hurt when the governor was a republican! And these elitist clowns truly believe we are THAT stupid!
Why the long face, John?
Massachusetts is pathetic.
And having once lived there, I know that they like being the most perverse and whackadoodle state in the Union.
Hanoi Boi Johnny seems to be having a Zelaya moment.
just heard a cringe-inducing ad on WEEI Boston telling people to contact their legislators and get a Senator appointed because important issues like health care and money for children have to be addressed—and it would truly honor Kennedy for all he did...
Kerry needs to call it what it is “Mary Jo Kopechne Care”, its where they crash the economy and then swim away leaving us to drown in debt!
Well you know what they say? As Kerry goes so goes Kerry..
Crawl back into your hole Kerry or else we’ll swift-boat your sorry ass again.
btw a State Rep. from Marblehead MA put forth a bill that could change the name of Logan Airport to Kennedy-Logan (remember Ted’s plane crash? Joe Jr, and his sister?
JFK III and his wife and sister in law?)
and there is talk in Salem of naming the new bypass for Ted Kennedy. The road, linking to the Beverly-Salem bridge, is right on the water, perfect for taking out the Olds for a spin.
JFK Jr I mean sorry
Howie list ping
Why doesn't Kerry just run those offices until a new Senator is picked?
Certainly, if the Senate had to vote to authorize the expense, the Republicans would be happy to oblige. But of course, the Democrats haven't asked, because that would take away this excuse.
All the state legislatures saying “that they are on the fence” are really saying that they want a payoff for a yes vote.
See who gets some campaign money boosts after this vote.
If a Republican like Baker or Brown were governor:
“We think the people should be able to vote.”
Rule #1 - Nothing on the level
Rule #2 - Everything is a deal
Rule #3 - No deal too small
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