Torricelli News Conference 5 pm EST LIVE THREAD

[alisasny]

Opine away : )

[Mo1]

LOL ...

[Pegita]

I know what you're talking about, OldFriend ... I suppose that's why we pray so hard, and cry so often, and pray again ... He listens, and answers, and His mercy is boundless. God Bless America, Land That We Love ...

[Huck]

You are on ritalin aren't you? What the hell are you talking about? All I am saying is it's too early to celebrate. If you are uncomfortable with my choice of metaphor, too bad. You are the only one I hear crying. baby.

[rwfromkansas]

We need to spread this FAR!!!! If they pull this trick, everyone needs to know about it to energize the Republican base. The polls already show we are more energized than the Dems........something unheard of in mid-term elections. If they pull this crap, we have GOT to use this to energize the right.

[bootyist-monk]

I sure hope you are right. These rats will stop at nothing to hold on to the senate.

[tip of the sword]

Donate to FR or this women might come to your house with a camera crew! (lol)

[OldFriend]

Thanks for helping lift my spirits.......Freepers are the best!

[The Old Hoosier]

From Roll Call:

The ballots have already been printed in New Jersey, and it's unclear how Torricelli would get have his named removed. One possibility would be for him to pull what one Democrat called the "living Carnahan," a reference to the election of the late Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan (D), who died three weeks before his Senate victory over now-Attorney General John Ashcroft. In that case, voters still voted for Carnahan, knowing the acting Democratic governor would appoint his wife, Jean Carnahan. In this case, Torricelli would either resign or announce his intention not to seek re-election but his name would still be on the ballot, with either Lautenberg or Menendez known as the stand-in to voters. If the fill-in were Lautenberg, he could tap his vast personal wealth to finance the campaign. GOP operatives vowed a "full-throttle legal challenge" to such a scenario Monday.

[SternTrek]

I believe that the statute qoted above deals with filling a vacancy earlier in the term. It refers to the "next" general election, not the next time this term expires. The election in November, 2003 will not change.

Another question, does the New Jersey State Senate and House have to approve of the Govenor's choice? The House is democratice but the State senate is evenly split.

My guess is Lautenberg will run.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

NFW. No amount of legal funny business can permit a constitutionally mandated 6-year term be extended via proclamation by a sitting Governor.

As for a replacement democRAT winning, Lazio found out how hard it is to enter a race late and he had several more months than a possible Torricelli replacement ... If he quits, the GOP picks up his seat.

[OldFriend]

Nothing the dems do will undo the damage of his even contemplating quitting.

[Miss Marple]

If I see that odious Clinton up on the stage with his Mussolini smile, I will have to start the cocktail hour early. Furthermore, we will know definitely that they are in control and have a plan and are trying to establish themselves as kingmakers.

And I will bet the people of New Jersey will be really PO'd. I know I will be, and I don't live in their state.

In which case, the RNC should pull out all the stops on nationalizing this election, using pink-tie Tommy as the poster boy for why one needs to vote Republican.

[OldFriend]

I see this as nothing more than a face saving by the dems. They know the seat is lost and I suspect they know they have lost several seats in the Senate. They are trying to protect the down ticket dems in NJ........

[Theyknow]

OK everyone. I'm going to say something wildly unpopular here. IF he resigns it's obliviously so the RATS can keep the Senate. This is strategy. There is no more to it than that. Each side makes it's decisions based on what is most beneficial for it's own. If there were a race where we could do the same thing then we'd do it to, it's legal so why not? Focus on winning other races, keeping the senate is still doable.

[justshe]

You have mail.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Torricelli tells colleagues he'll drop out of Senate race, provided replacement found
JOHN SOLOMON, Associated Press Writer
Monday, September 30, 2002
©2002 Associated Press

URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2002/09/30/politics1301EDT0586.DTL

(09-30) 10:21 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --  Sen. Robert Torricelli, a prolific fund-raiser whose re-election hopes were severely damaged by an ethics controversy, told colleagues Monday he will drop out of the race if a suitable replacement is found for the Nov. 5 ballot, two Democrats said.

The sources, who spoke only on condition of anonymity, said Torricelli informed New Jersey Democratic leaders and Senate colleagues of his plan. The sources cautioned Torricelli had not finalized his decision as discussions about a replacement continued.

The senator planned an afternoon news conference in New Jersey.

With the election just a little over a month away, Democratic officials were negotiating with Torricelli and discussing possible replacements, including former Democratic Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Bill Bradley, the sources said. ...SNIP...

[steveegg]

Relevant portions of the Constitution (in chronological order):

(Article I, Section 4:) The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators....

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(Amendment XVII)The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, that the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. (question; has New Jersey empowered the governor to make temporary appointments?)

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

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(Amendment XX, section 1:)Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Based on my reading of these sections, so long as the election takes place in such a manner that a winner is certified prior to 1/3/2003, the RAT governor can postpone the election to his heart's content.

[Mo1]

Got it ... I have some things to do but I'll be back

Thanks

[Mad Dawgg]

Guys (and Gals) think of the War (the 2002 and 2004 Elections) not the Battle (The NJ Senate Race)

I think the dems are seeing the writing on the wall and setting up a "see the Republicans are trying to stop the Voting process again" situation.

They try and get a Replacement Candidate and the Repubs go to court to stop it. They will then point fingers and Say "See, they did it in Florida and Now they are doing it in Jersey!"

I am willing to bet they are doing this to cloud the waters!!!!

[buffyt]

Making a stew? I just made a chicken/dumpling stew for lunch. The new Homestyle Bakes are good. I was teaching my son how to cook something that is easy, fast, cheap, and comes in one box. It was a chicken stew and dumplings mix. They have 8 kinds, flavors. We may need to share some quick easy recipes here, as the election heats up, we may NOT have time to cook! And my family gets tired of ordering pizza... NOT! Too bad we can't have a big Freepfest and dine together as we watch these jokers on TV!