Will Repug Mass. Gov be able to fill Kerry's senate seat when he wins?

[Fla Dem]

[WI_DEM]

1. No, there will be a special election

which I bet is won by Barney Frank.

[Ivote]

2. No

He tried to do that but now it goes to the people of Mass to elect a senator

[Cyrix]

3. I have heard the legislature

(thankfully) decided there would be a special election. IF they had not done so, then yes, he would get to appoint someone.

But what I DO wonder about - if the worst happens and kerry doesn't win - then what happens to that seat?

[liberalpragmatist]

6. Then Kerry stays a Senator

obviously.

[Cyrix]

8. Oh I see

I was thinking his seat was going to expire this year.

[liberalpragmatist]

9. No, he won reelection with a 70+ victory in '02

The seat next comes up for election in '08. His only opposition last time was the Libertarian candidate.

[Killarney]

4. The people will vote.

So, we're not guaranteed a Dem win, but pretty sure. I guess it all depends on who the candidates are. If Weld goes for it again, he could win. But, chances are the Dems will win it. I think it's in March.

[Fla Dem]

5. Thanks to you knowledgeable DU'ers out there. One more question.

It has been rumored that Joe Biden might be Kerry's choice to be Sec of State. I know there is a Gov's election this year. But same question.....how is a senate seat filled in Delaware?

[deadmessengers]

7. I can't quote a source here

But I remember this being addressed on Kos a couple of weeks back. In Delaware, the Governor makes the appointment, which is in turn confirmed by both houses of the legislature - one house is controlled by Dems, one by Repugs.