Democrats eye plan to protect Kerry Senate seat

[Feanorcurufinwe]

Massachusetts Democrats are devising a plan to keep John F. Kerry's US Senate seat in their party's hands by blocking Governor Mitt Romney from naming an interim replacement if Kerry wins the White House. Beacon Hill lawmakers want to pass legislation that would leave Kerry's seat vacant for two months or more, until a special election is held to fill it. That would prevent the Republican governor from naming an interim senator, as is currently required by state law.

The initiator of the proposal -- Representative William M. Straus, Democrat of Mattapoisett -- insisted he is not being partisan.

Who, me, partisan?

Straus's plan is still in development. He has directed the Election Laws Committee staff to research and develop the legislation. It would have to pass the Democrat-controlled Legislature and would probably face a veto by Romney.

But Democratic legislators were intrigued by the idea yesterday.

"It's certainly has piqued interest," said Senator Brian Joyce, Democrat of Milton and Senate chairman of the Elections Laws Committee. "This is worth looking at."

Straus said his conversations with colleagues indicate his proposal will get support from Democratic lawmakers. "I assume it would be well received among the membership, as I did receive positive feedback from members I have already mentioned it to," he said


http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/02/19/democrats_eye_plan_to_protect_kerry_senate_seat/

[ibegurpard]

1. partisan? too fucking bad

If the repukes don't like it they can go join their brethren in Texas who blatantly violated the spirit of not the letter of every redistricting guideline ever formulated.

[bushwakker]

2. Won't happen

Dems don't know how to play hardball like GOPers and will pussy out. Many of the Dems in the state house are conservatives anyway and couldn't care less if the GOP takes the seat. Romney will appoint former treasurer Joe Malone who will be hard to beat.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

3. You're from Mass?

Have the Dems ever overridden a Romney veto?