I will not stand for a special election in 5 months!

[LLStarks]

Deval Patrick must given the power to appoint an interim senator.

[Hugabear]

1. I'd say go ahead and appoint someone

It's the right thing to do. We simply cannot allow for the slight possibility of a rethug winning Kennedy's seat, rubbing salt in our wound.

[LLStarks]

4. I wouldn't go that far... The state constitution doesn't allow it as far as I know. nt

[still_one]

2. That depends on Massachusetts /nt

[RedRubberBall]

3. What is the law in Mass? n/t

*

[Fozzledick]

5. Special election in five months

Passed specifically to prevent a Republican governor from making an appointment.

[LLStarks]

6. Ironic, isn't it? Still, that law should be honored. It shouldn't prevent an interim though. nt

[SoCalDem]

7. "within" 5 months.. so it could be sooner, if they get busy

We need an amendment:

for all states:

elevate the ranking congressperson from the departing senator's party to serve until the next 2 yr cycle, and then start a new 6 yr term

that would prevent any governor from appointing a temp, who has to run and then often run again in 2 years.. It just costs too damned much money these days, and they should nor have to run a perpertual campaign for 4 years while they are learning the ropes.

This would make it apolitical, and the congressperson would already have a staff ready, and would be familiar with the legislation before congress.. If that person declines, they could just go down the list..

a missing congressperson is not nearly as "important" and when the 2 yrs were up , they might want to go back to congress..but probably not..

Simplifying it would make things a lot more stable.

[Fearless]

8. Amen. It's not about laws or statements. It's about doing what is right.