WNBC-TV: Republicans to appeal Torricelli issue to the US Supreme Court

[Liz]

No word on NJSC decision - expected - later - but Pubbbies are going to the USSC.

[CyberCowboy777]

The Founding Father deemed it necessary to keep Federal Elections under some federal law.

As far as the substitution on the General Election ballot, I do not know what grounds the GOP can bring it to a Federal court.

But the Dems plan of having the Governor appoint a replacement for the Torch, canceling the Senatorial general election, then to hold a special election later is a clear violation of the US Constitution and can and should be fought in Federal court.

[Former Proud Canadian]

I think the election of US Senators is a constitutional issue.

[Maximum Leader]

You hit the nail on the head. Its the pension issue that will trip up the Democrats.

Torricelli is 51 years old and entered Congress (for the first 14 years, the House side) in January of 1983. If he serves until January 2003 (i.e. the expiration of his current Senate term) he will have 20 years federal service and can begin collecting a government pension immediately. If he resigns even a day short of 20 years (which he would have to if the governor were to call a special election), then his pension doesn't vest until his 60th birthday.

We know he hates Lautenberg. In fact, I've read that he had an understanding with the governor that the replacement candidate be anybody BUT Lautenberg-- no honor among thieves I guess.

So how likely is Torricelli to grease the skids for his archenemy and in the process lose 9 years of free government checks?

[mwl1]

Imagine the outrage tomorrow if McGreevey says he is cancelling an election.

McGreedy is quickly approaching the point of exhausting his political capital without incurring extreme punishment. It is his infrastructure that is providing the framework for this continued corruption.

[cksharks]

Wrong answer! The senate race is a federal race.

[engrpat]

Why isn't the RNC all over TV just raising all sorts of hell over this? Why has the national leadership stayed out of it? The RNC should be on every TV program, radio show even on street corners. We are losing a golden chance to just show what the rats are.

[Liz]

Constitutional issues as applied to Senate seats are separate chapters than those applied to a president.

[RooRoobird14]

Dumb@ssocrats: "Paging David Boies!!! Paging David Boies!!"

(ROTFLOL--in that case, I like our chances!!)

[pfflier]

Best case: The SCONJ decides that the "Torch" must stay on the ballot or that the ballot cannot be changed. The Dimocrats appeal to SCOTUS and lose. A gain of one senate seat for the Republicans is possible and harm is done to the Dimocrats image, for election tampering. It makes the Dims Florida effort more manipulative and transparent to the undecided.

Worst case: The SCONJ decides that a new Dimocrat candidate can be on the ballot. The Republicans appeal to the SCOTUS and win. The Democraps will use Florida and this as a galvanizing tool against Republican candidates everywhere and a fickle public buys their line of bull$hit. Republicans lose close races.

Best course: Any Demoncrat can beat a Republican in New Jersey. The seat was theirs no matter what except the case where Torricelli stays on the ballot.

Republicans live with SCONJ decision and campaign like hell for the next few weeks, citing two cases of Demoncrat manipulation of the election process and seeking support from the undecided. May have impact in close races outside of New Jersey and may swing another seat.

[Torie]

This is what I have been saying. This is a special circumstance justifying putting Lautenberg's name on the ballot for the 6 year election if they otherwise lose.

[Political Junkie Too]

Yes later today. NJSC retired to chambers after legal arguments and is discussing it now.

I bet they're watching the coverage on a slightly used big screen TV.

-PJ

[Dog]

What will get USSC in this is MILITARY BALLOTS....they can't toss out those already casted votes ...

[Always Right]

He's not canceling an election. He's "delaying" an election or simply scheduling another one.

The date for the election of Senators and Congressmen and Presidents are set by US code.

[mwl1]

KYW-TV in Philly just reported Lautenberg is going to kick off his campaign tonight at 6 pm with a rally in Trenton

Hope protestors show up. Brazen bastard.

[BikerNYC]

It can be a Constitutional issue. Let's say if the State refuses to hold elections every six years for Senator. But when a name can be substituted on a ballot is not a Constitutional issue. It is a State issue to be decided under State law.

[Liz]

Heheheh. Good one.

[San Jacinto]

Remember this: If Torch resigns and a "special election" is called, it would only concern filling out the remainder of the current term. Not worth doing.

[NukeMan]

I bet they're watching the coverage on a slightly used big screen TV.

Pretty funny! Took me a minute...

[mwl1]

Sorry, cannot agree. Winning and fighting in federal court will not appreciably affect other senate races around the country... the nation was traumatized by Florida because it affected the election of a president and there were no other elections going on to divert people's attention.

People's lives are busy. This is a Hail Mary by the RATS and a dangerous legal precedent. It cannot stand.

[Liz]

Ummmmmmmm. You have to ask yourself.....if the shoe were on the other foot, what would the DemoRats be doing?

That's right. Same thing Pubbies are doing.