Democrats eye plan to protect Kerry Senate seat

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff, 2/19/2004

Massachusetts Democrats are devising a plan to keep John F. Kerry's US Senate seat in their party's hands by blocking Governor Mitt Romney from naming an interim replacement if Kerry wins the White House.

Beacon Hill lawmakers want to pass legislation that would leave Kerry's seat vacant for two months or more, until a special election is held to fill it. That would prevent the Republican governor from naming an interim senator, as is currently required by state law.

The initiator of the proposal -- Representative William M. Straus, Democrat of Mattapoisett -- insisted he is not being partisan. But Republicans say the Democrats are being premature.

"John Kerry and his supporters are doing everything but measuring for drapes at the White House," said Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney's communications director. "We have a long campaign in front of us."

more: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/02/19/democrats_eye_plan_to_protect_kerry_senate_seat/

[BayCityProgressive]

1. this is a good idea.

Democrats are finally waking up.

[dtseiler]

2. No it isn't

I think it's stupid. This is just more childish partisan crap that is in the same line as the Texas legistators redistricting.

Perhaps they should just recall the Repug governor instead.

Can't we all just get along?

[bryant69]

3. How Partisan is Mitt Romney?

I don't know myself. But that might provide justification; I mean if he were a President Bush like politician, we could expect Kerry to be replaced by ultra conservative man, which might make the idea seem justified.

Still I agree that if Romney is more of a centrist Republican, it's better to leave it alone.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[OhioDem]

7. Accusations of partisanship

If Romney wants to avoid partisanship, maybe he should let Kerry name his own replacement. This would be more in keeping with the will of the voters, who elected Kerry to the seat.

Realistically, it is unfortunate that politics has to be conducted on this level, but it is the ruthlessness of the Republican dirty tricksters and their hostile takeover style of politics that has led to this. Democrats need have no ethical qualms about fighting back effectively. If the Neo Con coup can be undone, perhaps some higher level of civility can be restored to the political discourse.

[newyawker99]

8. Hi OhioDem!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[eileen_d]

4. I'm glad to hear that the Dems are considering this

Good to plan for possible outcomes, even if Kerry doesn't get elected. You know that scouting motto: Be Prepared.

[Ficus]

5. Ventura had the right idea

to fill Wellstone's seat, he was originally going to appoint a Democrat (until the memorial service) because the wishes of the people of Minnesota were to have a Democrat there. Then he got mad and put Dean Barkley from his own MN Independence Party in.

[Monte Carlo]

6. The veto-proof Democratic MA legislature would have a big say...

... in who Romney appoints. Governor or not, he's got a career to worry about.

Everyone knows how valuable each Senate seat is. The Republicans would LOVE to grab a seat in Massachusetts, but I can guarantee that the state Democrats would not let it happen without a vicious fight.