VANITY:Do Republicans now have a Senate majority?

Me | 10-25-02 | Me

[jmc813]

Let's say Ventura appoints an Independent. That makes it 49-49 with Cheney breaking ties, right? Prayers to the Wellstones.

[mhking]

Not breaking news!

[BibChr]

Even if so, that's the sort of advantage only a Demo would use. And Commee (Chaffee) would probably jump.

Dan

[SamAdams76]

I'd prefer to get a GOP majority in 10 days - at the ballot box and have whatever happens in Minnesota be irrelevant.

[Phantom Lord]

If there are an even number of republicans and democrats, with 2 independants it could go any number of ways. No doubt that Jeffords woul cacus with the dems for organization. Would depend on how the new independant cacused. If he did with the dems, then the dems would have a majority. If he did with the GOP then we would have a tie with Cheney breaking the tie. And in that case, it is likely that Chafee would jump ship.

Though with Jeffords getting little to nothing from the RATS for jumping, Chafee might not be so likely to take any bait the RATS offered him.

[Phantom Lord]

If there are an even number of republicans and democrats, with 2 independants it could go any number of ways. No doubt that Jeffords woul cacus with the dems for organization. Would depend on how the new independant cacused. If he did with the dems, then the dems would have a majority. If he did with the GOP then we would have a tie with Cheney breaking the tie. And in that case, it is likely that Chafee would jump ship.

Though with Jeffords getting little to nothing from the RATS for jumping, Chafee might not be so likely to take any bait the RATS offered him.

[mrsmith]

He'll appoint a caretaker Senator. Won't make any difference in the majority.

Might resign and have the Lt Gov. appoint him- but I can't see him caucusing with Republicans.

[MoralSense]

Ventura himsel is all washed up. He has even talked about resigning the governorship early. He'd be laughed off the American stage if he tried to appoint himself.

There simply aren't that many independents around. Anybody in Minnesota know a likely one?

My guess is he does the fair thing and appoints some fairly well-known Democrat. Skip Humphrey? Humphrey could win.

[billreillyiii]

Under Minnesota law, if a nominee in a Senate race dies during a campaign, his or her political party can select a replacement candidate no later than four days before the general election. Election Day this year is November 5.

Looks like the Dems, not the Governor, have the choice.

[SES1066]

Lets put it this way, if this was a GOP seat and GOP incumbent does anybody doubt that Carvel and Bagalia would be saying "I'm sympathetic, but politics is politics".

Still, this is one case when I think that Jesse should wait for the Minnisota Democrats to nominate a replacement and wait for the election. Depending on the victor in the election, they should be seated immediately.

[Naspino]

We can forget a GOP gain in Minnes-O-TA. We did have a chance. Now Ventura is flying flags at half staff through the election. Probably we'll see a massive ad campaign from the DNC "Remember Wellstone..." tear jerkers. If the DNC could kill off all of the rats in close elections this year they might be able to retain power.

[prisoner6]

Yes, above all else prayers for the Wellestone family as well as the families of the others at their loss.

prisoner6

[mrsmith]

well, he would just be caretaker until January.

Just said he won't appoint himself- so he won't be Senator.

Why not his Lt. Gov. Mae Shrunk(sp)?

[mrsmith]

"wait for the election"

I doubt Minnesotans would accept not having a Senator for that long until January- three months.

[Crusader Rabbit]

If not Chaffee then John (Manchurian) McCain would certainly be available to fill the role.

[Naspino]

Would it be ironic for Ventura to appoint Bret "The Hitman" Hart?

[MARTIAL MONK]

The winner November 5th will probably be appointed early.This gives them seniority and there is a good deal
of precident for it. There will not be a leadership vote before January unless Talent is seated early. They will not dance on the grave of a dead man.

[mrsmith]

Very good.
That does sound most likely!

[billreillyiii]

Do any of you read other people's commments? Above, I thought I clarified the Minnesota law.

If a nominee in a Senate race dies during a campaign, his or her political party can select a replacement candidate no later than four days before the general election. Election Day this year is November 5.

This thread is uninformed. Sorry to disappoint the Jesse-bashers.

[KC Burke]

I guess everyone saw your comment about a substitute in the election. But that elected Senator doesn't get sworn in until January. During the interim, doesn't the Governor have the option of appointing an interim Senator or appointing the Nov 5 winner...either at his option?

That is why the thread is still discussing it.