Why *CAN'T* Connecticut recall LIEbermouse?

[jgraz]

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_Constitution#Amendments">Wikipedia:

In Connecticut, the constitutional amendment is a two-step process.

First, both houses of the legislature must first pass a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment. If the amendment passes by a three-quarters majority in each chamber, the amendment moves onto the second step. If the amendment passes by more than a majority of both houses but less than three-quarters in both, it must be approved again in the next legislative session.

Second, the proposed amendment must be submitted to the popular vote for ratification in the next election.

So... pass a Constitutional amendment (e.g. "AMENDMENT XV: No douchebag fuckstains shall be allowed to serve as Senator."), put it to a vote in 2010, and recall his traitorous ass.

Connecticut could have a new Senator in a little over a year.

[TheWraith]

1. Because you'd need 3/4 majority in each chamber?

I doubt there's that many people willing to change the state constitution to get rid of a sitting Senator, no matter how much the blogosphere dislikes him.

[jgraz]

3. Is it really just the "blogosphere" who can't stand Lieberman?

You don't think 3/4 of the people of Connecticut would welcome a new Senator that actually represents them?

It would be worth it to try, just to give people another chance to tell Lieberman what a piece of dogshit he is.

[TheWraith]

6. I doubt he's got an overall 75% disapproval rate.

He might reach that high among registered Democrats. But even disapproval isn't a guarantee of being willing to rewrite the law to toss him.

Somebody in one of the UK papers put it well the other day--the founding fathers of the US deliberately designed a system that was extremely slow to do ANYTHING.

[quiller4]

11. Lieberman still polls well in his home state. Members of the state

legislature would never pass an amendment to the constitution aimed at removing Lieberman from office because they know it would cost them their seats.

[hlthe2b]

2. Because US representatives and Senators are covered by the

Constitution-- their qualifications and means of election as well as the enumeration by state. No state has jurisdiction to recall, as there is no provision laid out in the constitution. It is NOT an issue that a state constitution (or amendment) can overrule. I don't mean to offend, but this is a basic tenet covered in high school civics classes. Does no one teach this in schools anymore? :shrug:

[jgraz]

4. Good point. So let's amend the Federal Constitution

We should have a provision to recall these assholes.

[hlthe2b]

5. I've been waiting since the 1970s for women's rights to be ratified

with a constitutional amendment. The ERA has never come to pass because every damned state has to ratify it, after approval from congress. Again, civics... It is damned hard to amend the constitution, which is generally a good thing. Lieberman would be long dead and buried before it ever came to pass (or more likely everyone gave up out of utter frustration).

[jgraz]

7. We never really try anymore.

The amendment process is there to be used. Just trying to pass the ERA raised awareness of the issue of women's rights. We could use the process to start a discussion about the responsiveness of the Senate. Maybe it will have an effect even if the amendment fails.

(Though the thought of Lieberman dead and buried is one that will keep me warm and fuzzy tonight.)

[hlthe2b]

8. Well, if the selection of 2000 did not stir a real effort to amend

the constitution in a way that does away with the electoral college, I don't see much hope for any other efforts.... Seems to have gone by the wayside--sort of like having "declared wars" by COngress as set forth by the Consitution...

[greennina]

9. I don't understand the need for the recall.

He isn't who the people voted for so why is he still allowed to vote?

[EmeraldCityGrl]

10. Why would they want to recall him?

He represents them and their politics. We're being held hostage my a small
fraction of the electorate.