Bush looks to save face on security by naming new chief (Times)

[REP]

...

Mr Bush is expected to move quickly, possibly as early as today, to announce his replacement choice as Homeland Security Secretary.

The most daring appointment would be to follow the advice of Susan Collins, a Republican senator from Maine, and choose Joe Lieberman, a Democrat. Ms Collins carries some weight on the issue as chairman of the Senate committee that will oversee the nomination process.
...

There has been talk in Washington of Mr Bush seeking to tap the genial Connecticut senator for a Cabinet job. Mr Lieberman is a defence hawk and centrist who was one of the driving forces behind the post-9/11 creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

His appointment would earn Mr Bush points for being bipartisan. It could also increase the Republicans’ ten-vote majority in the Senate. The replacement for Mr Lieberman would be chosen by the Governor of Connecticut, a Republican.

Mr Bush may be tempted to pick a replacement who has already gone through the screening process faced by any would-be senior administration official. Such candidates include Asa Hutchinson, a deputy secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, and Michael Leavitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
more

[Cooley Hurd]

1. That would take a Dem out of the Senate...

...although, if I had my choice of dems to lose, Joementum would be on my short list.

Personally, I think Tom Kean would be a good choice due to his work on the 9-11 panel (even though it was essentially a whitewash), but I guess that (being involved in the 9-11 commission) means he isn't even being considered...:eyes:

[REP]

4. I *Knew* There Was A Reason I Just Wasn't Seeing, Dammit

I know Holy Joe is a good DINO, but nail-head-hit. One less Dem (nominal though he is); one more appointed Republican. Dammit.

[Deja Q]

2. Two birds with one stone

Josephina would be scapegoated for ANY attack; which we know will happen.

And, as has been said, it's one less Dem - for what little it's worth in the case of Joe-job.

[imenja]

3. Since CT has a Republican governor

Lieberman moving to Homeland Security would yield another Senate seat for the Republicans. Bush just might do it.

[wildwww2]

6. Then if Lieberman is any kind of Dem. He will refuse the Nazi prick.

We need him in the Senate. Even though he is on Bu$h`s war crime band wagon. And anyway Homeland Security was and is just a union busting farce. Homeland Security will not protect us anymore than Bu$h did. When he received the August memo that told of Bin Laden`s intent to attack us. He warned nobody. And this Homeland Security boondoggle is nothing but a tool for Bu$h and Liebermans rich friends to get richer. Pilfering funds from the American taxpayers.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[CountAllVotes]

7. that is the big negative about it

One more democratic senate seat would be gone even if it is Lieberman.

What next? Maybe he'll find someone else besides Hutchinson or Lieberman I can only hope!

:kick:

[LiberalFighter]

9. Sec. 9-211. United States senator; vacancy.

In case of a vacancy in the office of senator in Congress, the Governor is empowered to fill such vacancy by appointment as herein provided. If such vacancy occurs sixty or more days prior to a state election, the appointee shall serve until the third day of January following such election, and at such election there shall be elected a senator in Congress to serve for the remaining portion, if any, of the term vacated. If such vacancy occurs within less than sixty days of a state election and the term vacated does not expire on the third day of January following such election, the appointee shall serve until the third day of January following the next such election but one, and at such next election but one there shall be elected a senator in Congress to serve for the remaining portion, if any, of the term vacated. If such vacancy occurs within less than sixty days of a state election and the term vacated expires on the third day of January following, the appointee shall serve until such third day of January.
(1949 Rev., S. 1109; 1953, S. 692d; November, 1955, S. N112.)

[imenja]

12. his term isn't up until 2006

so it's no where near the date of his election. The Republican governor appoints his replacement.
If "a state election" means any election, the Republicans are still safe since I assume the last election was on Nov 2 and they won't have another for a while.

[LiberalFighter]

13. Unless there is a state-wide election in 2005 then 2006 would be the year.

[CountAllVotes]

5. Lieberman would be way better that Asa Hutchinson!

I really cannot stand Hutchinson :puke:

I'd take Leiberman any day over this creep. What is Joe really doing in the Senate these days anyway? :shrug:

:kick:

[MaineDem]

8. Bush will do this I'm sure

He wants that 10 vote margin in the Senate.

I really hope Joe doesn't take it. This is one time he needs to put the needs of the country ahead of his own ambition.

Why doesn't Susan Collins take it herself? She has no qualifications so she's perfect for the BFEE. And - we have a Democratic governor.

[0007]

10. 'Tis as fucked up here in Washington as it is in Iraq, 'eh?

The screening process?? Give me a break!

"Mr Bush may be tempted to pick a replacement who has already gone through the screening process faced by any would-be senior administration official. Such candidates include Asa Hutchinson, a deputy secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, and Michael Leavitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency"

[Florida_Geek]

11. Interesting

this UK paper calls him at times Mr. Bush

[kskiska]

14. Joe would take it in a NY minute

He's already expressed his interest in a cabinet position.