My condolences to the Kennedy family for their loss. I’m sure it’s a difficult time for them.
However, I’m appalled at what he tried to do to the nation, even in his death. First, a bit of history.
In 2004, there was a Republican governor in MA. named Mitt Romney. John Kerry was running for President and, if he had won, would have vacated his senate seat. Democrats didn’t want a Republican senator from MA, so they urged the senate to take the power to appoint the senator away from the governor and give it to the people.
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-118547231/massachusetts-senate-backs-special.html
“‘We are restoring and reaffirming the power of the people,’ said Senate President Robert E. Travaglini.”
Ahh, we’re giving power to the people.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-kennedy-succession27-2009aug27,0,6769853.story
“Kennedy himself supported the last change in the law, in 2004, which eliminated the power of the governor to appoint an interim successor. That was done because of fears that then-Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, might appoint a member of his party to replace Sen. John F. Kerry if Kerry had defeated President George W. Bush in the 2004 election.”
Or not. So, I wonder when the special election will be held for Kennedy’s replacement.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/20/kennedy.letter/
“Kennedy, 77, asked the governor and state leaders to ‘amend the law through the normal legislative process to provide for a temporary gubernatorial appointment until the special election occurs’”
Oh. Why would he do that?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-kennedy-succession27-2009aug27,0,6769853.story
“But with healthcare reform pending in the Senate and Kennedy’s death leaving Democrats missing a crucial vote, waiting months to fill his seat is a grim proposition. “
Right. Well, it seems like Kennedy tried to sidestep the will of the people to get his pet project passed. But, hey, whoever is elected appointed will at least be accountable to the people for what they vote for, right?
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=112264371
“In his letter, Senator Kennedy requested that whoever is appointed to fill his seat, make an explicit commitment not to run in the special election that will now be held next January.”
Or not.
Nice, Kennedy.
