Comments on: Healey Calls for Kerry to Resign

By: McGehee

McGehee — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Of course, a Kerry resignation would have that effect immediately but allow an election in November that would, presumably, lead to another Democrat taking the seat. The news reports I've seen say that an appointee would occupy the seat until the end of the current term, after the 2008 election -- implying that there would be no special election. I don't know Massachusetts law on this but I believe it's possible they could have it that way. The Democrats in Massachusetts have introduced the idea of eliminating the gubernatorial appointment to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat. I'm not sure whether they seriously expect to be able to override the inevitable Romney veto. In Alaska, the same idea (due to the Murkowski factor) is being pushed by Democrats as an initiative, but the overwhelmingly Republican legislature can short-circuit the initiative by passing a substantially similar law. So now the issue is whether the law the legislature passed is really "substantially similar." The Massachusetts idea could go to voters (I don't know their law on this either), I suppose.

By: Director Mitch

Director Mitch — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I see this as desperation on Kerry's part. A man who knows he's going to lose the position he's running for holds onto his old position as best he can.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Actually, IIRC, this came up when Lloyd Bentsen ran as a senator from Texas (before joining Dukakis' campaign).

The differences between the office of Governor and Senator are also important. No one calls the governor to "vote" on items before a body of elected officials. He signs or doesn't sign.

By: dw

dw — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

The one difference between Bush remaining governor and Kerry remaining in the Senate is that the governor of Texas has few powers and has little to do with the day-to-day operations of the state. The Texas Legislature holds most of the power; the governor is left signing and vetoing bills and proposing legislation. Dubya could do all that an hour a day.

Being a senator, though, requires being present for votes. While Kerry's absenteeism is troubling, I wonder how many senators skip out during session to campaign for re-election.

You want an easy way to level the playing field between incumbents and challengers? Ban reps and senators from campaigning or fund-raising on any day the House or Senate are in session.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I would think Kerry would want to show his confidence that he will win by resigning, instead of hedging his bets.

Y'know, if he thinks he has a chance. :)

By: My Pet Jawa

My Pet Jawa — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

truth vs. TRUTH This is true. And by 'true', I mean 'made up'. And by 'made up' I mean TRUE.

By: Modulator

Modulator — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Campaign Finance
James Joyner in commenting on this request that Kerry resign his senate seat says:Candidates running for higher office while still holding their current one always face this problem, although Kerry does seem to be carrying the absentee bit further than...

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