Gov. Rell Signs US Senate Vacancy Bill (surprise move)

[ensho]

http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/state_capitol/breaking_gov_rell_signs_us_sen.php


In an unexpected move, Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed the US Senate vacancy bill which takes away the governor’s power to appoint someone to a vacant US Senate seat.

“Although the current process for filling a Senate vacancy has worked well in our state for many decades, this bill gives directly to the people of Connecticut the decision on who would fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate,” Rell said in a press release. “Since taking office as Governor, I have done everything in my power to make Connecticut a model for all states when it comes to openness, transparency and citizen participation in government.”

-snip-

Since the 1940s the power to appoint a US Senator has resided with the governor, but recent scandals like the one in Illinois over Barack Obama’s vacant senate seat has given the concept of holding a special election more momentum than in previous years.

Under the bill once a vacancy occurs, the governor will issue a writ within 10 days and the special election will be held on the 150th day after the writ is issued.
-----------------

[cagesoulman]

1. Transparency? Reducing the power of his own office? This guy will NEVER hit the big time

:crazy:

[sellitman]

2. He is a she.

:smoke:

[Arkana]

3. Jodi Rell's a she.

And she's also one of those rare Republicans who's not a complete douchenozzle.

[NewJeffCT]

4. she's a very crafty politician as well

It almost always seems the Democrats are reacting to her, despite the Dems having veto proof majorities in both houses of the state legislature. This bill was one of the rare exceptions.