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Mass Dems want law they changed changed back to law they didn't want
Change you can believe in comes to Massachusetts...As aides to Sen. John Kerry refuted rumors he is seeking a position in President-elect Barack Obamas administration, Gov. Deval Patrick said hes open to changing a law that would allow him to appoint Kerrys successor instead of holding a special election. Unlike four years ago, this now sounds like a great idea... Currently, if a Bay State senator leaves midterm it would prompt a special election within 160 days. Legislators changed the law in 2004 to prevent Gov. Mitt Romney from appointing a Republican to the Senate if Kerry was elected president. At the time it was, "THE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE AND DAMN THE EXPENSE!" Now...not so much. I havent really come to rest on a view . . . I got a lot of other important and difficult decisions to make; Im not looking to grab additional ones, Like...whether I'm outta here too. Patrick told reporters yesterday, adding he is not actively pushing the change. If I have that authority, I will exercise it as wisely as I can, but if youre asking me whether Im pushing to make such a change, no, I am not, he added. I have people for that. Slimy, scheming, little people... Patrick, holding a press conference after returning from Obamas Chicago victory party, also noted that 45 other states allow their governors to choose successors. Geez, just like four years ago when it was a "bad idea". The move would ensure that the seat, if it becomes vacant, stays within the Democratic party. Johnson! Stop the presses!! Kerrys staff sought to tamp down speculation that he is actively lobbying to become Secretary of State after he indicated hed be willing to take a job with Obama Tuesday night. Kerry had just been re-elected to another six-year term over Republican challenger Jeff Beatty. This is the political silly season when media speculation is rampant about the new administration. John Kerry just won an overwhelming victory for his fifth term in the United States Senate, and hes not looking for any job other than the one he already has, said spokeswoman Brigid ORourke. Which means he breaks out in night sweats worrying he won't get it... An open Senate seat could set off a frenzied scramble from several ambitious, well-funded Massachusetts politicians, including University of Massachusetts at Lowell Chancellor and former Rep. Martin Meehan, Attorney General Martha Coakley, and U.S. Reps. Michael Capuano, Stephen Lynch, Edward Markey, Barney Frank and William Delahunt. All the usual suspects. Remember the names so when Ted goes to the Great Oldsmobile in the Sky, I don't have to repeat them. David Guarino, a spokesman for House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, said, The speaker believes it is premature to be discussing any potential vacancy. Yeah, Sal. You got enough problems with that "ethics thing" and all... Senate President Therese Murray gave a flat No when asked whether she would consider changing the law, a spokesman said. She will have to be "talked to"... Posted by: tu3031 2008-11-07 |
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