Hillarysworld

JustTheFacts · Super Moderator

Deval Patrick to Support Change to MA Succession Law (The Hill 8/26/09)

JustTheFacts · Super Moderator

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, vowed that legislation to insure every American, which Mr Kennedy had described as "the cause of my life", would be achieved.

"Ted Kennedy's dream of quality health care for all Americans will be made real this year because of his leadership and his inspiration," she said in a statement.

But procedural rules in the Senate mean Mr Kennedy's absence could be crucial when a vote is held.

The Democrats hold 60 seats in the 100-seat upper chamber, but without Mr Kennedy, they may not be able muster the 60 votes required to prevent a filibuster of legislation - when Republican opponents could talk the bill off the clock.

Under Massachusetts law, it will be five months before a by-election is held to replace him, although Mr Obama and Democrats in Congress had hoped to have legislation completed well before Christmas.

Mr Kennedy addressed the issue in a letter to Massachusetts leaders last week, asking them to change the state's law to allow the governor to appoint an interim senator "should a vacancy occur".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/6094322/Ted-Kennedys-death-could-block-Barack-Obama-health-care-reform.html

-- Edited by JustTheFacts on Wednesday 26th of August 2009 10:21:06 PM

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

That's what the Democrats get. I hope a Republican gets in lol that would be so funny.

freespirit · Moderator

If the MA Dems effectively change the law again to ensure their advantage, they will lose credibility. Like others, I'm saddened by Kennedy's death, and believe he should be given full credit for his accomplishments as senator. However, we don't have royalty in this country, and legislation should not be rushed through in order to ensure that Kennedy's life's purpose is fulfilled. Existing election law should not be changed in order to give one party an advantage over another. Had Kennedy's primary interest been in health care reform, one would think he would have supported Hillary Clinton, who was the pioneer of health care reform and who was more knowledgeable and better prepared to, as president, get reform passed than anyone else in this country.

Health care legislation is too important to this country, and impacts not only the economic health of the country, but, more importantly, the physical and mental health of individual Americans. More than any other piece of legislation - this one needs to be carefully thought out and well planned. Pelosi's obnoxious drive to rush it through is proof that her concerns do not lie with the well-being of this country. Neither she nor Obama should be allowed to use Kennedy's death, regardless of his years of service, to further their goal to pass this legislation faster than the speed of light.