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Hillarysworld -> Obama and Congress -> (08-20-2009) "Ted Kennedy asks Massachusetts for quick Senate replacement" (www.guardian.co.uk)
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TOPIC: (08-20-2009) "Ted Kennedy asks Massachusetts for quick Senate replacement" (www.guardian.co.uk)
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(08-20-2009) "Ted Kennedy asks Massachusetts for quick Senate replacement" (www.guardian.co.uk)
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A cancer-stricken US senator Ted Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul.

The note has been sent to Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and the state's senate president and house speaker at a time when Congress is considering an overhaul of the US healthcare system, a life cause of Kennedy's.

The letter acknowledges the state changed its succession law in 2004 to require a special election within five months to fill any vacancy. At the time, legislative Democrats were concerned then-Republican governor Mitt Romney would be able to fill any vacancy created as Democratic US senator John Kerry ran for president.

But Kennedy wrote: "It is vital for this commonwealth to have two voices speaking for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election." Each US state is represented by two senators.

While Democrats hold a majority in Congress, the outcome of a healthcare reform bill could hinge on a single vote. The letter was sent on Tuesday, but Kennedy aides insist there is no material change in his condition since he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/20/ted-kennedy-senate-seat



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Optixmom


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I saw this this morning.  I feel for Ted Kennedy and his family regarding his terminal condition, but I don't feel it merits changing the law.  In Massachusetts, a replacement is chosen by the people, not the Governor.  If he was all that concerned about his replacement being timely he should have bowed out of his senate seat months ago, and therefore a replacement could be voted upon by the people of Massachusetts.

He just wants someone that thinks as he and Deval Patrick do.  Having the state vote on a replacement may potentially fill his spot with someone who doesn't agree with the healthcare bill.  If it was a Blue Dog Dem or a Pub who was Governor he wouldn't be making this stink right now.  Of course, that is my opinion.

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Hillarysmygirl16


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So they changed the law when there was a Republician in there and now they want to change it back because it may hurt the Democrats.

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Hillarysmygirl16 wrote:

So they changed the law when there was a Republician in there and now they want to change it back because it may hurt the Democrats.


Exactly.

I am sincerely sorry that Kennedy is ill, but it is not a reason to change the law, just because they are afraid of who might be the replacement . . . what happened to democracy . . .

 



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thebword


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Hillarysmygirl16 wrote:

So they changed the law when there was a Republician in there and now they want to change it back because it may hurt the Democrats.



Don't you just love the audacity of politicians.  If Sen. Kennedy is that worried about it he should have stepped aside months ago.  I'm sure Caroline will be ready to "step in" as soon as he steps out.

Cancer is a horrible death, and for that I am truly sorry for Sen. Kennedy and his family.  However, using an illness that for most American's provokes empathy, to gain a "special" provision for the Democrats of Massachusetts, is out of line.



-- Edited by thebword on Thursday 20th of August 2009 04:56:21 PM

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shadow


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Hillarysmygirl16 wrote:

So they changed the law when there was a Republician in there and now they want to change it back because it may hurt the Democrats.



exactly.  He should have withdrawn when his illness became apparent.

I thought we the people voted them to represent us. Silly me.

 



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Kbentleyis


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I say FORGET IT. I'm tired of the BS from the dems. The people should decide who sits in the seat, not Kennedy.

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You got it HMG

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freespirit


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thebword wrote:

 

Hillarysmygirl16 wrote:

So they changed the law when there was a Republician in there and now they want to change it back because it may hurt the Democrats.



Don't you just love the audacity of politicians.  If Sen. Kennedy is that worried about it he should have stepped aside months ago.  I'm sure Caroline will be ready to "step in" as soon as he steps out.

Cancer is a horrible death, and for that I am truly sorry for Sen. Kennedy and his family.  However, using an illness that for most American's provokes empathy, to gain a "special" provision for the Democrats of Massachusetts, is out of line.



-- Edited by thebword on Thursday 20th of August 2009 04:56:21 PM

 


Amen.

 



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It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.  ~Susan B. Anthony
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