Torricelli News Conference 5 pm EST LIVE THREAD

[concerned about politics]

Now, will the people who didn't like Toricelli's ethics, go for this BAIT AND SWITCH? I don't think so.

I'm not so sure about that. Democrat voters are not deep thinkers. He might have a nice butt!

[alisasny]

I am suprised he is going to do this at 5 when all local stations will cover this live. HUMMM...something is up...

[Southack]

"Jonathan Alter .......on MSNBC ....TORCH WILL RESIGN the Senate."

Now it's going to go down to the timing of his resignation. If today or prior to October 6, then no problem. If between October 6 and November 5, then problem writ large. If after November 5, then no problem.

[Norman Arbuthnot]

I'd be surprised if NJ's rules were that lenient. Which would completely rule out X42.

You are probably correct and let us thank God that X42 will not/cannot run in NJ because he would stand a damn good chance of winning. The state is full of suburban soccer moms, liberal yuppies, and other hard core RATS who would probably be willing to low crawl naked over broken glass to the polls if they had another opportunity to vote for Bubba.

[marajade]

Does anyone know if he resigns, does he keep his retirement?

[r9etb]

If a vacancy shall happen in the representation of this state in the United States senate, it shall be filled at the general election next succeeding the happening thereof, unless such vacancy shall happen within thirty days next preceding such election

If I read this correctly, if Torch resigns within the next 5 days, then November 6 is "the next succeeding" election.

It's only if he pulls out today and waits a week to resign that there's a problem. I can't imagine the Dems actually trying to pull that one off -- it's too obviously an attempt to toss out the election. The potential for "Florida" fallout is too great, even if it is happening in NJ.

Still, I'm betting that the Dems really are looking at the option. In that scenario, Torch's press conference is delayed because the D's have got their lawyers studying the law and writing briefs to see if they can pull it off.

[Howlin]

Barry Richards.

Sorry, I had to go get DOG FOOD (or I wouldn't have left the house on this very important news day!)

[Timesink]

I don't think that will prove to be the case, but if it is, it doesn't mean the Senate will SEAT the replacement. I'd like to see the pubbies play hardball for a change, and supply the equipment.

Can the Senate refuse to seat for any reason whatsoever? I thought they had to have at least some quasi-legal reason for doing so.

[justshe]

I would think a case could be made to compare the Democratic party to corrupt CEO's too.

After all, it is all about power, corruption for personal gain, the twisting of the law to achieve questionable ends, and the total disregard for the shareholders (voters).
Not a lot of difference, imo.

[Howlin]

507 is for you, too.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Nah, Carmella gives to the Church, and they both donated money to the University to get Meadow in, but other than that, I don't see Carmella being a bleeding heart liberal to anyone....... she and hers are going to come first....... I think you owe Carm an apology Sir.........lol

[Timesink]

Under New Jersey law, a political party can replace a statewide nominee on the ballot if the person drops out at least 48 days before the election. But only 36 days remain until the Nov. 5 election, meaning Democrats would have to seek approval from the state attorney general. That would likely result in a court challenge from Republicans. ... Under state law, if a candidate resigns his office or dies with more than 30 days to the election, the governor can appoint a new candidate. If it happens with less than 30 days before the election, the race can be canceled and the governor can set a new date for a special election.

Thanks for the info. But I don't think that the second part of that state law could survive a federal constitutional challenge. Like others have said, if we use these rules, what's to stop McGreevey from setting the date of the "special election" to be election day 2012? And if the attorney general allows the first law to be arbitrarily waived, I think you've got the exact same situation as what SCOFLA did in 2000: The RATS changing the laws in the middle of the game purely in order to retain power. And the SCOTUS will smack that down just like they did Florida.

[r9etb]

507 is for you, too.

If I read this correctly, you're telling Miss Marple that it's OK to drink heavily and serve dog food for dinner. Not that there's anything wrong with that.....

[cake_crumb]

"Sorry, I had to go get DOG FOOD (or I wouldn't have left the house on this very important news day!)"

You really haven't missed much.

[Timesink]

Since I don't think that this has been tested, and the Senate does have final say as to who sits there (Article I, Section 5, US Constitution), so long as the RATs get and maintain a majority, they'll try.

Thanks for the info Steve (and Wphile). I agree they'll try. But I think they'll fail. I think that state law is blatantly unconstitutional, because it provides a mechanism by which the governor can prevent the public from ever electing another Senator, and that's a total violation of the Seventeenth Amendment.

If McGreevey's smart, he'll appoint someone like Bradley of Lautenberg but also make said appointee run on the November ballot. If he tries to appoint the guy for a full six-year-plus term, it's going to get thrown out by the SCOTUS.

[Miss Marple]

Carl Cameron on now. It comes down to the law (yes Carl, we already know that). Torricelli 's one option is to resign, allowing McGreevey to appoint a replacement who could be put on the ballot, or allow someone else to be put on the ballot.

Phones in DC are burning up.

Now Carl is rehashing the scandal.

[tip of the sword]

Glad to see Carmella and Tony are pro-education!

[concerned about politics]

Under New Jersey law, a political party can replace a statewide nominee on the ballot if the person drops out at least 48 days before the election. But only 36 days remain until the Nov. 5 election, meaning Democrats would have to seek approval from the state attorney general. That would likely result in a court challenge from Republicans.

Under state law, if a candidate resigns his office or dies with more than 30 days to the election, the governor can appoint a new candidate. If it happens with less than 30 days before the election, the race can be canceled and the governor can set a new date for a special election.

Posted article here

[Diddle E. Squat]

Good thing those corrupt slimeball bastards of the NJ GOP did their best to undercut Brett Schundler's campaign.

My how the dynamics would change if Schundler were governor now, instead of McGreevey.

[kellynla]

Did you guys get the news from MSNBC? Buchanan had reporter on from ROLLCALL and he said DNC has been trying to locate Bradley all day...seems Bradley is on a plane somewhere and not taking their calls...