Torricelli News Conference 5 pm EST LIVE THREAD

[alisasny]

Opine away : )

[kellynla]

well fill us in...what are Menendez's chances with only 37 days til the election

[cactusSharp]

amen...the BARNEY RUBBLE BOOGIE for me
with the occassional high fivin' the ceiling.

[Wphile]

I wouldn't be dancing. The Dems are playing dirty, rotten tricks and it's quite possible they may work. If the Governor gets to appoint a replacement (within 30 days of an election), that means the Senate seat is no longer in play. This BAD, BAD, BAD...

[Mo1]

LOL .. ok .. works for me

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I've heard some whispers that Torricelli may be quitting the race. Maybe this is the official announcement right here. We'll find out....

[kellynla]

oh really! any confirmation on the law???

[Catspaw]

So if the Torch says I'm resigning effective _____ (within 30 days of the election), the Gov can appoint someone to serve in his stead for two years and the election's off?

[hchutch]

If that is the case, then it could save their butts, but at the same time, it's going to look like a VERY masty piece of hardball that can and should be painted as an effort to deny the people of New Jersey a CHOICE for Senator in 2002.

[VRWC_minion]

It sounds to me like NJ law may be in conflict with the Constitution which requires an election every 6th year.

[alisasny]

Did Barbara Streisand send the Torch a letter too?

[Howlin]

I understand what you're saying, but this time, let them do it in the light of day. Let the people figure out what they are doing.

And if they don't, at least they will be exposed for the liars and cheats they are.

[Teacher317]

What are the rules here?

If he caves, who appoints the replacement?
Does the replacement get to run in the election?
Haven't all of the deadlines for the election passed?
Will the GOP run unopposed for the seat?
Are there any similar precedents?

What are the Dems pulling here?

[Wphile]

Here's the law:

NJ State Law.19:3-26. Vacancies in United States senate; election to fill; temporary appointment by governor If a vacancy shall happen in the representation of this state in the United States senate, it shall be filled at the general election next succeeding the happening thereof, unless such vacancy shall happen within thirty days next preceding such election, in which case it shall be filled by election at the second succeeding general election, unless the governor of this state shall deem it advisable to call a special election therefor, which he is authorized hereby to do. The governor of this state may make a temporary appointment of a senator of the United States from this state whenever a vacancy shall occur by reason of any cause other than the expiration of the term; and such appointee shall serve as such senator until a special election or general election shall have been held pursuant to law and the board of state canvassers can deliver to his successor a certificate of election.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Are you surprised?

[gulfcoast6]

He will drop out and a democract will be appointed to take his place.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Sen. Bob Torricelli, D-N.J., practices his Richard Nixon "I am not a crook" speech and gestures during a union rally to support his re-election bid in Trenton, N.J., Sept. 23, 2002. Torricelli is considering dropping out of the race, a Democratic party source said Monday, Sept. 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Mike Derer) - Sep 30 12:19 PM ET

Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-N.J., right, greets Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., during a union rally to support Torricelli's re-election bid in Trenton, N.J., Monday, Sept. 23, 2002. Morton Bahr, president of the Communications Workers of America, applauds at left. President Bush was also in Trenton raising funds for Torricelli's Republican opponent.(AP Photo/Mike Derer) - Sep 23 5:05 PM ET

[Richard Axtell]

Incredible! But bring me up to date... is the current governor of NJ an (R) or a (D)? Is this a way of holding on to the seat by the Corruption Party, or are they just cutting their loses, as THIS election HAS been nationalized,contrary to popular assumptions about "all politics being local, and Toricelli's freefall is afftecting Democrat prospects across the country?

[Wphile]

Yes, it would be bad and it would be thwarting the election process but these are Democrats and they are frickin' desparate!!! The Clintons are behind all of this.

[Wphile]

He's a Dem. McGreevey.

[GraniteStateConservative]

They can't cancel the election in November.