Should Kennedy resign?

[GoesTo11]

I keep reading about how Democrats can't muster the 60 votes for this or the 51 votes for that because Kennedy (and until yesterday Byrd) is seriously ill. It doesn't sound like he's going to get much better. I am pretty confident that he could get replaced by a Democrat in Massachusetts. This is a critical time. Would stepping down be the heroic thing to do?

[nsd]

1. Even if Kennedy resigned right now, it would take months (at least) to get a replacement.

We might even have to wait until 2010 for a special election. Note that Massachusetts law doesn't provide for the governor naming a replacement.

In particular, Kennedy's resigning now would affect the health care fight at all.

[Mass]

2. It would not help. We would have to revote and it would take at least 3 months.

This said, he will come for the healthcare vote.

[endarkenment]

3. no

He will drag his sick self to the senate floor to break a healthcare filibuster.

[havocmom]

5. I could imagine him being carried in if need be, by his own orders, to vote

He won't miss this vote.

[prolesunited]

4. No

This is his dream and he should be allowed to see it through. My guess is he passes shortly after it passes or Obama signs it. His moment in history should not be denied.

[ThomWV]

6. My Senator, Robert Byrd, is in similar health - and maybe it is time for him to step down.

Gaston Caperton, an earlier Governor, would be a good replacement.

[WI_DEM]

7. they can't muster 60 votes not because of Kennedy or Byrd but because of Nelson, Lieberman, Baucus,

and some of there ilk.

[Bolo Boffin]

10. The sight of Ted Kennedy being carried into the chambers

might melt even those icy hearts.

[sellitman]

19. Don't kid yourself.

You think a turd like Jim Demint would give a rats a**?

[Bolo Boffin]

24. DeMint's a Repub.

I'm talking about the Democratic caucus, all longtime friends of Ted.

[horseshoecrab]

23. Absolutely right

Right on WI_DEM.

Ted Kennedy is not the problem in this fight! :fistbump:


horseshoecrab

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. July 31, 2004: Romney veto overridden - Governor can no longer fill vacancies in the US Senate

In a pair of votes that lacked suspense but not passion, Beacon Hill Democrats yesterday stripped Governor Mitt Romney of his power to choose a replacement for Senator John F. Kerry if the newly-minted Democratic presidential nominee wins the White House.

The vote on the bill, which would establish a special election to fill the Senate vacancy, ends more than six months of wrangling, arguing, and maneuvering over the issue. A number of ambitious Massachusetts Democrats are eager to run for the post if it becomes open, and national Democratic leaders believe that the seat could make a difference in their drive to reclaim the Senate.

Hooting and hollering broke out on the usually staid House floor as Speaker Thomas M. Finneran pushed through the bill yesterday afternoon, the final day of formal legislative business for the year.

"Inevitably, whether it's a Democratic governor or a Republican governor, it's a political deal," Finneran said. "It's very raw politics. Each side was just putting on a little bit of a show for the other side."

more: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/07/31/romney_veto_overridden/?page=full

[GoesTo11]

11. The law says the state will be unrepresented for 145-160 days?

Why would a state voluntarily put itself up for the Coleman treatment? I guess it's likely that this will happen sometime before Kennedy's term runs out. Double bummer.

[Freddie Stubbs]

14. They wanted to avoid a Republican Governor making an appointment

[sandnsea]

9. If WE mobilize

Then Kennedy can rest. How about that?

[horseshoecrab]

12. No

Healthcare for all has been Ted Kennedy's dream for many, many years. He'll be there for the vote. When others were laughing at the very thought of it, Ted was pushing for it.

Teddy is one of the most effective senators to have ever served. He is now fighting the greatest battle of his life both personally and professionally! This is not the time to ask him to walk away.

I'm so proud of my senator and wouldn't hear of it.

Teddy: :hug: :hug: :hug: and :patriot:


horseshoecrab

[etherealtruth]

28. As an American I am proud of your Senator

You are so right, this has been Ted Kennedy's fight ... I want him to be there when it is finally won!

[JitterbugPerfume]

13. how sad

that you would ask him to give up his dream at this point in his life

[One_Life_To_Give]

15. And miss his chance to do the Ceasar Rodney thing

If Ceasar Rodney could go to break the Delaware deadlock on the Declaration of Independence then Kennedy should be allowed to do likewise for Healthcare.

[CountAllVotes]

16. absolutely NOT

NO.

[BlueIdaho]

17. Fuck No

Teddy would crawl into the chamber on his a hands as knees to vote on health care reform. Allow the man some dignity, please.

[Botany]

18. The old lion has one more fight in him.

Let us get behind the President and get something to the floor and let Ted
have his last vote be something that makes grown men cry when they see his
courage.

[omega minimo]

20. They should all resign.

[SoCalDem]

21. and so should Byrd.. I know they have served long and faithfully, but there comes a time

in everyone's life, when the "job" is no longer do-able, and it's time for a new crew..

What we need is a system that has term limits.. If it's good enough for the president, it should be as well for congress.. I just cannot believe that in a country of 300million, we only have 535 people who are "capable" of legislating..

and there should be NO pensions for "retireees until the serve 20 consecutive years..

my plan:

2 6 yr terms as senator
2 4 yr terms as congresscritter


working in both houses for 2 full terms yields 20 yrs.. anything else, means see ya later, enjoy your life back in the real world..

Lobbyists might be less likely to throw money at them, if they thought it would not be a long-term romance

[Dawgs]

22. No, but there should be a way for him to vote from a remote location.

A remote video link could be setup by a 16 year old high school student. Why can't Congress pass something that would allow someone who is absent to vote from their computer. It makes no sense to me.

[Uzybone]

25. NO

[H2O Man]

26. no

[JI7]

27. Byrd came back and voted with the Republicans on that fighter jet thing

i know that wouldn't be the case with Kennedy. but someone earlier made the point that the problem are people like Baucus, Nelson, Lieberman, Bayh etc.

[saltpoint]

29. No. Ted's our lion. His health is in harm's way but his presence in the

debate on health care is essential.

He's paid his dues and is owed due praise.