Feingold: 'Deal-making' to replace Sen. Gregg 'alarmingly undemocratic'

[babsbunny]

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Feingold_Dealmaking_to_replace_Sen._Gregg_0203.html

Ron Brynaert
Published: Tuesday February 3, 2009


A top Democratic senator who is planning to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prevent governors from filling US Senate vacancies – after the controversy surrounding Gov. Blogojevich who was indicted for allegedly offering President Obama's former seat to the highest bidder – had strong words to say about the latest open seat situation Tuesday.

In a statement congratulating Republican Senator Judd Gregg who was tapped by Obama to become his Secretary of Commerce, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) said that he was "well qualified" since "his service for several years as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State has given him a solid grounding on Commerce Department programs."

[depakid]

1. I have to agree with that

Hell, after the last three fiascos- and this ridiculous situation- I don't see how anyone wouldn't agree.

[hughee99]

2. I agree with him, but I don't know about "alarming" for the Gregg situation

For a current Senator to say that he'll only take a presidential appointment if the senate remains at it's current split, is not exactly "alarming" since it seems to have happened a number of times recently, though it is undemocratic to let the governor choose. The selling of a seats based on what someone can do for a governor or his war chest, now THAT is alarmingly undemocratic. In any case, I agree that a vacated senate seat should go to the people for a vote instead of to the highest bidder.

[hughee99]

3. Sorry, dupe. n/t

[GeorgeGist]

4. Same old nonsense ...

as if there wasn't a more qualified expert.