Democrats Plan for Byrd "Contingencies"

[ccharles000]

Sen. Robert Byrd's (D-WV) state of health "has prompted some quiet, behind-the-scenes discussions in the event the senator is unable to return to office," the West Virginia Gazette reports.

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) met with state Democratic Party chairman Nick Casey last week, with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on a conference call to discuss contingencies."

Casey "is generally regarded as the consensus choice to serve as a placeholder for Byrd's Senate seat in the event Byrd would have to step down prior to the 2010 elections."

Roll Call reports Byrd is still hospitalized and has no plans to return this week.

The Hill reports Byrd will undergo physical therapy this week after being in the hospital for a month.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/06/15/democrats_plan_for_byrd_contingencies.html

[tekisui]

1. It is way past time for Byrd to retire.