Hawaii congressman's widower to seek the remainder of unexpired term

Associated Press ^ | 10-16-02 | B.J. REYES

[Oldeconomybuyer]

HONOLULU (AP) -- The widower of the late Rep. Patsy Mink has entered the race for the Nov. 30 special election to serve out the final weeks of her term.

Patsy Mink died Sept. 28, two days after a deadline for the Democratic Party to name a replacement. Her name remains on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. If she is re-elected posthumously, a second special election would be required Jan. 4 to fill her vacancy.

[anniegetyourgun]

But of course.

[anniegetyourgun]

Those lib/dems sure are good at succession planning.

[xeno]

Attention taxpayers: did you know that the latest continuing resolution funding the government also provided a lump sum payment of $150,000 to Mink's widower? I am not sure if this is some "congressional bereavement" policy or what!

[Samwise]

I'm not quite sure what to make of this. Does this mean that marriage qualifies me to take over Hubby's job even though my education and experience are in totally different areas? Or does it mean that politicians are so mindless that name recognition is all that truly matters?

[longtermmemmory]

This is the carnahan widow syndrom. Actually it was done quite often where the governor's widow would finish the remainder of a deceased governor's term and run for re-election. But that was decades ago.

Democrats are the part of sleaze. The must be voted out. Divided governement BS must be set aside and we must activly get out the vote.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

I think it means that political power corrupts the soul and career politicians are bad for democracy.

[Flint]

Why don't we just go to a "Lords & Ladies" system? When an elected official dies the title passes on to his or her survivors. We could then have a government body that you could call "The House of Lords". That would keep the pesky people from interfearing in the orderly progress of government.

[txzman]

Heck, let's just throw out the Constitution and go right for a good ol' fashioned Democrat monarchy and aristocracy.

What's a law anyway when so many in power have only your interests at heart, and when the government knows what is best for you?

[OldBlondBabe]

"I'm not quite sure what to make of this. Does this mean that marriage qualifies me to take over Hubby's job even though my education and experience are in totally different areas? Or does it mean that politicians are so mindless that name recognition is all that truly matters?"

Gee, that's not really fair to those who are unmarried and holding office. Can their "shack-up-honeys" or "life partners" fill in for them?

[bonesmccoy]

When "he" was the campaign manager and financier, yes... he can run for office.

Look at the constitutional requirements for Congress. Not much there!