'Mo' Cowan sworn in, giving Senate a record number of blacks -- 2
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-massachusetts-senator-sworn-in-20130207,0,2515724.story
The usually pin-drop-quiet Senate gallery erupted in applause Thursday after William Mo Cowan was sworn in as the newest senator from Massachusetts.
Vice President Joe Biden administered the noontime oath to Cowan, a Democrat and former chief of staff to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Appointed by the Democratic governor, Cowan will temporarily fill the seat opened by John Kerrys confirmation as secretary of State. A special election will be held June 25 to permanently fill the seat.
Congratulations, Senator. Welcome, Biden said, as guests of the new senator, as well as visiting tourists, rose in applause.
Kerry and newly elected Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren were at Cowans side.
Still, this nomination and the fact that this sets a record is a sad testimony to the fact people do not have equal chances. And it is even worse when the two African Americans who are now senators are not elected, but have been named by two minority governors.
Can we hope that the two parties will select a few more minorities as their Senate nominees? Because this type of record should make us very uncomfortable.