1) Yes
2) Not ruddy likely
Now hearing it was 2 seizures not a stroke and that he appears to be doing better than this morning.
Take note re: governor appointing a successor (incl. if he were to step down due to incapacitation)—I think they did pass a law providing for a special election. Not sure but i may have...Before then:
2/19/04:”Democrats eye plan to protect Kerry Senate seat
By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | February 19, 2004
Massachusetts Democrats are devising a plan to keep John F. Kerry’s US Senate seat in their party’s hands by blocking Governor Mitt Romney from naming an interim replacement if Kerry wins the White House.
Beacon Hill lawmakers want to pass legislation that would leave Kerry’s seat vacant for two months or more, until a special election is held to fill it. That would prevent the Republican governor from naming an interim senator, as is currently required by state law.
I pray he has a complete recovery and decides to retire.