The Dems face delays in proposal to get Kennedy replacement quickly. It's not a done deal, yet.
Mass. Senate delays debate on Kennedy interim bill By STEVE LeBLANC
BOSTON – Massachusetts Republicans temporarily blocked Senate debate Friday on a bill allowing Gov. Deval Patrick to name an interim appointment to the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Edward Kennedy. Republicans, who hold just five of 40 seats in the state Senate, objected to the bill being taken up Friday, without formal notice. Under Senate rules, the objection means the bill can't be debated until the next formal session. The Massachusetts Senate will next meet in a formal session on Monday. Senate President Therese Murray, a Democrat, has been tightlipped about the bill's chances. Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, a Republican from Gloucester, raised the objection. He said he assumes Democratic leaders believe they have the votes to pass the bill but still holds out hope that enough Democrats may be swayed to vote against it. "I think there is some doubt about the ultimate outcome. Clearly the vote in the House was not a completely partisan vote," he said. "I'm not sure that anyone has an accurate count on who is on the yes side and who is on the no side." The delay came a day after the Massachusetts House voted 95-58 in favor of the bill, with 42 House Democrats joining all 16 Republicans in opposition. Supporters, including House Speaker Robert DeLeo, a Democrat, said the change is needed to ensure Massachusetts continues to be represented by two senators until voters can choose a replacement during a Jan. 19 special election. Patrick, a Democrat and ally of President Barack Obama, also supports the change. But critics point out that Democrats changed the succession law in 2004 to create a special election and block then-Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, from naming a temporary replacement if Sen. John Kerry had won his presidential bid. To change the law now that there is a Democrat in the governor's office smacks of hypocrisy, they said. Kennedy, in a letter sent to lawmakers before his death, urged the change in law saying "it is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices speaking for the needs of its citizens." Kennedy died of brain cancer last month. The debate is being followed closely in Washington, where Democrats hope to regain a 60-vote, filibuster-proof margin in the U.S. Senate ahead of any debate on President Obama's health care overhaul.
-- Edited by freespirit on Friday 18th of September 2009 01:39:55 PM
-- Edited by freespirit on Friday 18th of September 2009 01:42:15 PM
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It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less. ~Susan B. Anthony
So VERY much hypocrisy. But good for these 42 House Democrats!
"The delay came a day after the Massachusetts House voted 95-58 in favor of the bill, with 42 House Democrats joining all 16 Republicans in opposition."
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Barack/Barry: If you're NOT LEGIT, then you MUST QUIT!!
