Kennedy knows what they can do. He wants the Massachusetts Legislature to change state law so that the Governor can appoint another Democrat to take over immediately if he should have to resign.
The Boston Globe reported Thursday that Senator Kennedy has asked Massachusetts lawmakers to allow the governor to appoint a temporary replacement to fill any empty senate seat. Under current law, senators can only be selected through special elections that must be held in a two-week window 145 days after the vacancy occurs.
With his request, Kennedy is likely making a political calculation.
The final vote on healthcare reform – which Kennedy has called the “cause of my life” – is likely to happen before the end of the year. But his failing health could prevent him from attending, and Senate votes cannot be cast in absentia. He has missed Senate votes repeatedly during recent months as he battles brain cancer.
This means the Democrats could lose one certain vote in favor of health reform – a vote that could prove crucial if the political calculus becomes tight, as is possible.
Resigning would not help, either. Even if he resigned today, the 145-day rule means that the special election to replace him could not be held before January 2010.
Therefore, Kennedy is asking Massachusetts lawmakers to amend laws passed as recently as 2004 to ensure that someone is in his seat to cast an important vote on healthcare.
Passing the odious health care “reform” bill is so important to Kennedy that he doesn’t care about the law… he just wants somebody in his seat to vote yes. I am glad to note, however, that reaction to the request among state leaders has been very cool… they are unlikely to change state law for this reason.
Personally, I think it is important that the law be followed, and not changed to garner political advantage for one political party. We’ll have to keep an eye on this one…
I think it's too late for the change he wants. His wife, Vicki is doing badly in the polling, and this is the only way that she can get the position. Meanwhile...at least a dozen folks are ready to step up and take the spot...none of which are a Kennedy.
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