Posted on 02/12/2010 5:15:32 AM PST by RS_Rider
Family members, particularly spouses, assuming a late politician's seat is not unusual in American politics.
Among possible candidates to replace Rep. John Murtha, the Johnstown Democrat who died Monday, is his wife, Joyce.
"While people have been mindful that this is a difficult time for the family, many have called to suggest Joyce as the perfect person to hold her husband's seat," Murtha spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said. Murtha represented Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. His term expires at the end of this year.
Of the 260 women have who served in the U.S. House or Senate, 46 were widows who directly succeeded their husbands.
Rep. Mary Bono, R-Calif., was elected to the House in 1998 after her husband, Sonny, died in a skiing accident and has been re-elected six times in highly competitive races. Margaret Chase Smith, a Maine Republican, had a long career in the House and Senate after voters chose her in a special election in 1
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
WHAT???!!!
What a winning idea. . .
Well after all it HAS to be a member of the ruling class.
So, it's not a precedent setting event; but I still don't like it!
Politicians are not royalty and no ascension by family should be permitted. In fact I am not against having “political” families sit out 10 years after a member has served.
Don’t worry, I’m sure that his widow in not nearly as corrupt as the old man was.
Isn’t there supposed to be a special election for this seat? I thought only the Senate could be filled by appointees.
Can the district support another empty airport ?
It’s the House of Representatives, not the Senate in this case. Special election.
Not.
Rendell already stated that the special election would probably take place along with the primaries, must wait at least 60 days since the seat was vacated, since we’re broke they want to combine special election with primaries.
Make no mistake, these people DO think this way.
They view themselves as “neo-nobility”.
Johnstown will evaporate without Murthas pork. The two daily flight to his personal airport will probably go down as well.
This widow was married in ‘55. If she was about 20 at the time, she is about 75 now.
ping
Trying to make sure all his kickbacks get into his account before the end of the session.
Murtha ping.
So she can hold down his seat for another 3 of 4 terms.
No doubt she’s qualified to handle the committee seats he held.
One of the younger ones in that area.
That entire district in 20 years behind the world.
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