[Dianna]

Torch's plan is to resign now, which the RAT Gov would replace and then call for special elections.

If he resigned now, the replacement would stay until Jan 03. There is no way they can just appoint someone for two years because he resigned. That would have such a destabilizing effect upon ALL elections. Not that the Dems would mind, but legally, I don't think it'll fly.

[Dog]

That is what is keeping me sane right now ........they wouldn't dare try to cancel the election because their guy is losing....

[Right Wing Professor]

There is no way they can just appoint someone for two years because he resigned. That would have such a destabilizing effect upon ALL elections. Not that the Dems would mind, but legally, I don't think it'll fly.

Agreed. You could, in theory, pull the same stunt again in 9/04, keep the seat until 9/06, do it again...you'd never have to hold another election.

[steveegg]

If the RATs and their "independent" and RINO ilk brethern manage 51 seats, then as long as there's no election, the appointed ilk will get to stick around until 2004 (the Senate does have final say as to who gets to sit there).