[Timesink]

Mrs. Carnahan would NEVER have been allowed to be seated as a Senator if she was a Republican ! The Republicans should have offered their condolences but should not have GIVEN AWAY a Senate seat.

I was always under the impression that the Senate cannot refuse to seat someone simply because they don't like them; they have to have some sort of legitimate argument as to why the person is unfit to serve. Thus, when Ashcroft decided not to contest the election and Carna-HAM's appointment, the Senate had no legitimate legal reason to consider refusing to seat her.

Anyone know if I'm right on this?

[AmishDude]

I have a better idea: They should have demanded to seat Mel himself. Have a coffin sitting in the Senate chamber.

[hoosierham]

Do you think for one minute a Democrat attorney general would not have contested awarding the election to a dead candidate's spouse ?

And rightfully so; the Republican Ashcroft was derelict to allow the widow a Senate seat as though the wife ran for election instead of the husband.