Feingold: 'Deal-making' to replace Sen. Gregg 'alarmingly undemocratic'

[deminks]

A top Democratic senator who is planning to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prevent governors from filling US Senate vacancies – after the controversy surrounding Gov. Blogojevich who was indicted for allegedly offering President Obama's former seat to the highest bidder – had strong words to say about the latest open seat situation Tuesday.

In a statement congratulating Republican Senator Judd Gregg who was tapped by Obama to become his Secretary of Commerce, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) said that he was "well qualified" since "his service for several years as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State has given him a solid grounding on Commerce Department programs."

“But the apparent behind-the-scenes deal-making that went on to determine who will fill Senator Gregg's vacancy is alarmingly undemocratic," Feingold said. "Once again, Americans will be represented in the Senate for nearly two years by someone they had no hand in electing."

Feingold continued, "As the number of Senators appointed to their seats continues to rise, it’s increasingly clear that we need to fix this constitutional anachronism. It is time to pass a constitutional amendment to end appointments by governors and the political gamesmanship they encourage."

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Feingold_Dealmaking_to_replace_Sen._Gregg_0203.html

[FLAprogressive]

1. Even though I do not live in his state, Russ Feingold is *my* senator.

[Earth_First]

2. Alternatively...how is this any different than what Blagojevich was charged and impeached over? n/t

[mucifer]

4. I agree. Saying he will pick a republican is no different than pay to play.

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Have to agree.

[liberalmuse]

3. I love this man.

Would a 'pub Governor even consider replacing a Dem Senator with a Dem? I think not. This is bullshit. Once President Obama realizes just the kind of shit he's dealing with, I think he's going to have to get real Chicago tough.

[ljm2002]

5. First question:

Why did he choose Gregg in the first place? Not enough Republics and DLCers in the Cabinet yet?

Second question: ditto what another poster asks, how come this quid pro quo is any better than Blagojevich's alleged pay-to-play?

Third question: ditto another poster's question, would any Republic governor have hesitated to appoint a Republic Senator if the roles were reversed?

What the bloody hell. If this is post-partisanship, I'm not liking it. I hope Mr. Cool gets his head screwed on straight in a hurry, before it gets handed to the RNC on a platter...

[Skink]

6. Maybe they should impeach the NH Governor.

Hold a special election.

[kstewart33]

8. Sorry, I wish Feingold would keep his remarks to himself.

Talk about lousy timing. If he wants to snipe at Obama, geez did he pick the wrong time to do it.

A constitutional amendment? Yep, and I want a million dollars on my doorstep by 6 am tomorrow. Both events have an equal chance of occurring.

This type of deal making has been going on for years. Sure, it's not the ideal process, but why bring it up now, on a day when Obama is fighting fires and the Repubs are closing ranks on the stimulus bill?

Grandstanding, especially when calling for an action that will never happen? Looks like it to me.

[Earth_First]

10. I don't view this as grandstanding at all...

It's part of the entire what's wrong and needs to be fixed.

The economy isn't the only problem facing this country that needs to be fixed.

Fu*k it! Let's get them ALL out on the table NOW and deal with the whole lot collectively.

It certainly won't be an enjoyable experience, however; it needs to be fashioned.

[kstewart33]

11. In politics, timing is everything.

And on this, the timing could not be worse.

How on earth can Congress deal with all of our problems collectively? They can't even pass minor legislation without going through a hissyfit.

No, if Feingold is serious about reform, you bet he'll consider timing. And the time is not now.

[tkmorris]

18. But, "now" is when it happened.

In 9 months it isn't going to be topical, or at the top of anyone's to do list.

[dflprincess]

19. When has the time ever been right for reform?

Any time a push is made to reform the system or fix an injustice we're told to wait, the time is not right. Nothing would ever change if people didn't force it.

[Bluebear]

21. We're always told the "time" is not right.

It's disgraceful, when will things change if not now?

[midnight]

13. Yes. This is why Senator Feingold is speaking up now.

We need to keep watch over eachother and the Senator is doing his job.

[cynatnite]

15. The deal sucks, but you're right. n/t

[CTLawGuy]

9. Russ can talk

but we really could have used him in the Presidential race in 08. I would have loved to support him.

[bertman]

16. I love Russ too, but he has as much of a chance at the Presidency as Dennis the K.

Not because of any failings on his part, but because the Powers That Be would never let it happen.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. Same corrupt game, different players. Politics has little to do with democracy.

[usregimechange]

14. Wish we had Russ in the white house

[slipslidingaway]

17. K&R alarmingly undemocratic! n/t

[Bluebear]

20. Well said, Senator Feingold. nt

[ProdigalJunkMail]

22. isn't this the second time in as many weeks that Feingold

has called for this? Does Feingold even KNOW why the Senate was created? Given his blathering about Americans 'represented in the Senate' i would guess the answer is no.

sP

[RB TexLa]

23. So states would have to go how long without two senators?

If you can have an election say the week after one dies who would win? The person with the most name regonization in the state? States probably won't pay for the cost of a statewide election and have one senator for however long it is until the next statewide race. I guess it could help younger candidates especially in smaller states, "I'm only 40, I won't die next week and leave you with only one senator for 16 months."

[Duke Newcombe]

24. It's how it works, Russ. Deal. n/t