REPORT: Torricelli mulls pulling out of race...

Drudge ^ | 9-30-02 | Drudge

[frmrda]

Nothing follows

[hobbes1]

There are 2 distinct issues here.

The first is dropping out of the race.

The second are the possible ramifications of his resignation.

[Torie]

Yes, I have tried to address both. The Dems best shot at still winning is to get a new name on the ballot.

[hobbes1]

That's why Forrester has to get the injunction now, after Torricelli makes the 2PM (Eastern) announcement that he's dropping out of the race, in order to PREEMPT the Torch's later potential resignation from the Senate being used as a tactic to essentially bypass an election that the Dems now know they will lose.

Correct.

[YaYa123]

"A withdrawal would leave the Democrats in an uncertain position."

Not buying it. I'm betting Democrats had their end game strategy all plotted out before the "rumor" got floated.

[Congressman Billybob]

Election law expert, checking in as requested.

No Governor can ever APPOINT a new Senator to serve beyond the term of the Senator who has died, resigned, or gone to jail (or taken up to the Mother Ship). Also, this provision of N.J. law cannot cancel an election to fill a new term.

There is NO good news in this for the Democrats.

Congressman Billybob

[cactusSharp]

I'd buy your paper.

[YaYa123]

announcement now scheduled at 4 PM Eastern. We have to wonder what sticking point caused this delay.

[jackbill]

The deadline to replace Torricelli on the ballot was September 16th, but Democratic insiders say they believe there is still time to make a switch. Any change of candidates would have to be approved by a vote of the Democratic State Committee.

I suppose that, in DemocRAT controlled New Jersey, it all depends on what the meaning of "deadline" is.

[GraniteStateConservative]

But Forrester wouldn't be "harmed" until he loses his bid for election. This wouldn't be settled until after the election.

[Redbob]

"I hear he's been offered a talk show on ABC.

And a library in Trenton."

How about a bridge abutment outside Newark?

[for-q-clinton]

You are right. I believe the law is referring to if he resigns within 30 days of a national election (not referring to the one that he is currently up for election).

Because the bottomline is the election will occur and there will be a winner. That winner will be the Senator. Now if it were 2 years from now and the torch resigns 30 days prior to an election then the Gov gets to appoint for 2 years.

[Howlin]

No indictment?

[IpaqMan]

What we have to remember is that (1) there is a general election of a US Senator scheduled by NJ law and (2) the US Senate in January must vote to seat a new senator. The Senate is the final arbiter in these cases. Personally, I do not believe that the US Senate would fail to seat a legally elected senator. The fallout would be disastrous to the party that pulled such a dirty trick in front of the whole country.

[hobbes1]

I would be willing to bet they are having the same discussion we are vis-a-vis the law.

[kpp_kpp]

they're too busy reading this thread.

[NeoCaveman]

There is NO good news in this for the Democrats.

Thank you good Congressman, I was worried for a moment.

[Howlin]

Is he resigning, or is he just withdrawing from the race?

[hobbes1]

The fallout would be disastrous to the party that pulled such a dirty trick in front of the whole country.

Like supporting an impeached President you mean ?

[for-q-clinton]

torch resigns 30 days prior

Oops I meant to say within 30 days.