Ted Kennedy: I'd like wife to take seat

[BigDaddy44]

Source: NY Daily News

Ted Kennedy has made clear to confidants that when his time is up, he wants his Senate seat to stay in the family - with his wife, Vicki.

Multiple sources in Massachusetts with close ties to the liberal lion say his wife of 16 years has long been his choice to continue carrying the family flame in the Senate. Kennedy won the seat in 1962; his brother John held it from 1953 to 1960.

"There's no question that he'd like Vicki to continue in his seat," said one Massachusetts Democrat with ties to the Camelot clan who spoke to Kennedy recently, before his health crisis.

The 54-year-old Victoria Reggie Kennedy, a former hotshot Washington lawyer, is a Louisiana native and the daughter of a politically active judge.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/05/22/2008-05-22_ted_kennedy_id_like_wife_to_take_seat.html

[Cooley Hurd]

1. .

:cry:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Wise for Ted to let his wishes be known

now. You know, he was at a Refugees International dinner on May 8, receiving an award, and youtube has the video. He was so gracious and nice to all who were there. Sad to realize that he now faces the fight of his life.

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. I believe she would fare well if she did run in the future.

[cornermouse]

4. I'd say the doctors told him what the prognosis is

and it isn't good.

[hopein08]

141. Note that the Mass. Dem. spoke to him BEFORE the health crisis.

[MaineDem]

5. I wonder how that will go over with MASS Congressional delegation?

I bet there is more than one Congressman looking at that seat.

[mucifer]

6. I think they will be respectful

[MaineDem]

7. I'm not so sure

Personally, I don't think his wife would be a good choice. I was surprised and very disappointed to even read this.

[susankh4]

10. Me too.

I thought he was opposed to dynasties.....

Oh wait, only Clinton dynasties. I get it.

Look, I'm sorry that he is ill. It's a loss to the party. But installing his wife in his senate seat?

Eeee gads!

[BREMPRO]

13. she can't be installed, but must win a special election.

the process in MA is to hold a special election to fill the seat. I do think however if she ran will teddy's endorsement, she would win easily. Who would run against her?

[catgirl]

17. I thought the Gov. picks a replacement

[TheCowsCameHome]

21. No. There has to be a special election within 145 - 160 days, I believe

The rules were changed a few years ago to prevent then-gov. Romney from appointing a Repuke if it became necessary.

[zippy890]

23. that is correct - there must be special election

rules were changed in MASS when Romney was governor and John Kerry ran for president in 2004. State legislators didn't want Romney appointing a senator if Kerry left senate.

[sallyseven]

No he does not. they were

afraid the Mittens would screw up and appoint another incompetent republican or himself. They threw it to the Legislators who are just pains in the ass.

[MADem]

61. No, they didn't throw it to the legislators. There is a SPECIAL ELECTION.

The legislators changed the rule from "the governor picks a replacement to finish out the term" to "A special election is held and the VOTERS choose the replacement."

If the governor could have overriden the legislature, he would have. But he couldn't.

I think the MA legislature did a GOOD THING, here.

I mean, really--how DARE the state be represented by someone chosen by "We, The People?"

[Exultant Democracy]

98. Different rules in different states. Some let gov pick replacements for the rest of the term

others have special elections.

[Warpy]

15. Having her finish his term, you mean

The only way she could possibly be "installed" is if he were able to leave it to her in a will, or something. She'd only keep the seat after his term if she did as good a job as he did.

Remember, Mass. has a lot of wonderful people in the House who could be moved up to the Senate. Her election to his office is by no means assured.

It's long been a tradition to have widows finish the term of a deceased elected official. There is nothing particularly dynastic about this. If she succeeds him, she'll get the office temporarily. She'll only keep it if she's great at it.

[ourbluenation]

40. He doesn't want her to be "installed". He's just saying who he thinks MA should vote for....

in a special election...who the people of MA should vote for, that is.

[MADem]

70. There is no "temporary" about it. The rules have been changed.

There's an ELECTION...at ONCE. She won't be succeeding him unles the voters elect her.

No "finishing out terms" and no "warming the seat until a special election." There's a special election, toute suite. Right after the incumbent dies or resigns.

She'd have to run for it like everyone else.

It's a bad idea, IMO.

[Warpy]

76. I honestly don't think she'd win

especially if a heavy hitter like Barney Frank runs for the seat.

Governors in other states appoint seat warmers to finish Senatorial terms. I was unaware the rules had been changed, but I notice it happened there because they didn't want Mittens to fill Kerry's seat had he been allowed a fair election.

However, I also found this: http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_141225458.html

[MADem]

91. Neither do I, frankly. You never know, though.

There is a small but persistent cadre of oldies who bought off on the early lies and fictions about poor Joan, and every time Joan is found, shitfaced and rambling, people sort of (right or wrong) blame "the pressures of the Kennedy family" on Joan's woes. She was hit by a car, drunk apparently, while stumbling around in Boston a few years back--they found her lying in the street; she broke a shoulder and maybe a few other bones. She just had breast cancer fairly recently, too.

You can't put Vicki out there without bringing up Joan. And Joan is also a little crazy these days--might not be easy to keep her from doing some "Martha Mitchell" telephoning, or giving the inconvenient interview.

That's a fascinating little article you dug up--worthy of a sample for others to eyeball:

...state law now requires a special election for the seat no sooner than 145 days and no later than 160 days after the vacancy occurs.

But House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi said yesterday if Kennedy should step aside or have to be replaced because of his brain tumor diagnosis, he'd be in favor of a gubernatorial appointment.

"That was a good political reason (then)," DiMasi said of taking the power away from Romney. "It's a good political reason to change it back.".....DiMasi spoke warmly of Kennedy shortly after hearing reports of Kennedy's grim diagnosis, and quickly said it was too soon to talk about replacing the "liberal lion" of the U.S. Senate.

"I don't want to think of it in those terms right now," DiMasi said. "I think he'll stay out his term. I hope he stays. I'd encourage him to stay."

The Boston Democrat said he wouldn't make a move without first consulting Patrick....Rebecca Deusser, a spokeswoman for Patrick, said the governor's office didn't have a comment. At a Statehouse press conference, Patrick wished Kennedy a speedy recovery.

DiMasi is totally WRONG. Crazy--but maybe smart-crazy. A bit craven, too, when you sit down, think it over, and think it through. I really hope they don't do that. It's a cheesy thing to do, IMO. I think people might get pissed, and it just might blow back as an unrepresentative, old-school fiat. He's got to find critical mass within the legislature to make it happen, too...and I wonder how many people will see it as smacking of hypocrisy. Or interfering with the chances of THEIR particular favorite.

The ultimate irony is, you know who would take the final blame at the end of the day if this piece of "Awwww, gee, Poor Ted, Let's Be Nice To Him" legislation isn't received in the "proper" spirit? Deval Patrick. And there would be plenty of pointing fingers and blame to pass around (but mind, you don't speak ill of the sick or the dead!) if robust politicians like Barney Frank are seen as being "denied" by this move in favor of political hackery and quid pro quo.

DiMasi sees this as an opportunity to curry favor with the old school politicians, and then shove the "blame" (or the downstream blowback) off on Patrick, who would be the one to sign the legislation. They aren't always on the same page, DiMasi and Patrick. It's a chance for DiMasi to appear to be conciliatory and a team player, while at the same time smiling and, if it doesn't go well (and I think it might not) sticking it to the Guv-nah. Clever bastard.

[saracat]

163. And actually , "Poor Joan" is the one that really deserves sympathy.

That beautiful woman was absolutely destroyed by the family ambition. She is a sensitive beautiful soul and classical musican who was "forced" to play a part she didn't believe in and then discarded like tissue. What shame.I wonder what she thinks of all this. She was the one that paid more of a price than anyone.

[MADem]

169. She actually does get it from the people of the Bay State.

Most people go out of their way to make allowances. If she were anyone else, maybe not--but that whole "in over her head" thing is actually understood.

There was a little bit of an issue awhile back with her house on the compound, but that somehow got worked out. She wanted to sell it and wouldn't take no for an answer. The way it was covered, it appeared she was being a bit obstreperous, but who knows? http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/06/13/joan_kennedy_children_reach_agreement/


And who knows what the story is on his prognosis, really? He's taking it a day at a time, apparently:


http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/05/kennedy_negotia.html

The subject this afternoon was whether the ailing senator would participate in the annual Figawi regatta, a three-day race from Hyannis Port to Nantucket that begins Saturday.

"I don't know," Kennedy said when asked about the race by reporters as the couple boarded their 50-foot schooner for an afternoon sail. "One day at a time."

When another reporter asked about the race, Victoria Reggie Kennedy had had enough.

"Stop talking about the Figawi," she said, cutting off the senator before he could answer. Victoria Reggie Kennedy implied that her husband had enlisted the media to help convince her that he should compete in the race. The senator tried to strike a bargain: How about sailing just one leg?

"Is this a conspiracy?" she asked with a knowing smile. "I want to know."

Kennedy stammered and did not answer.

"This is a conspiracy," Victoria Reggie Kennedy declared.

The senator laughed. "You can tell how this is going," he said.

[catgirl]

16. Why do you assume Vicki isn't capable?

You're labeling "wife" as incompetent.

[susankh4]

18. No I'm not.

To be honest I know nothing about her.

Do you?

Does she have a public record?? If so, it can stand on it's own. Can't it?

[Zachstar]

73. In her state if others feel that another is better to represent them they will elect them.

Primaries also go to senators.

[klyon]

78. she is probably the best thing to happen to him

I'd give her a chance.

[MADem]

117. She should start up a foundation to help people rehabilitate themselves from addiction, then.

Cleaning up Ted's act isn't a resume point for being a United States Senator.

[MaineDem]

19. No, I don't mean that at all

I was surprised by the Senator saying this. I just always assumed there were very capable Congressional people waiting in the wings for a shot at the Senate.

[TheCowsCameHome]

24. A few heavyweights are content with more powerful roles in the House

That's not to say there aren't some out there who would like the chance to run for the senate, however.

[MADem]

122. They aren't "content." They just figured that neither one was leaving any time soon.

The buzz of excitement here when people thought Kerry might be leaving was ENORMOUS.

I rather doubt that those within--AND without--the MA delegation would sit by and let Vicki take the seat because Ted wants it. I think there'd be some serious "dissuading" going on. I'm guessing Delahunt, Markey, Frank, maybe even former Rep. Marty Meehan, and who knows, maybe Paul Tsongas's wife Niki, might want to try. Shannon O'Brien....who knows who else?

[TheCowsCameHome]

125. How do you know they aren't content where they are?

Let them decide what they prefer to do.

[MADem]

129. Because they weren't content four years ago. As I NOTED in my last post.

Who, pray tell, is "not" letting them decide?

Whatever even ompels you to say such a "let me shut down discussion" type thing? This IS a discussion board, you know, and the subject is EMK's Senate seat.

Of course they will decide. Odds are, as anyone paying attention will bet, that several of them will duke it out in a primary.

[TheCowsCameHome]

160. I don't know what ompel means,

but who is saying shut down the discussion of anything?

We'll see who is and who isn't interested in Ted's job, if and when the time comes.

A wee bit edgy today, aren't we?


:7

[MADem]

168. It's compel, without the C.

Nahh, not edgy.

But I know for fact certain that more than one member of the MA delegation IS, in fact, interested in the gig. And it's idiotic to hand it off to some woman from Louisiana just because she's someone's second wife, law degree or no law degree. She has absolutely NO experience in the legislative arena, and we don't know her from Adam.

[rpannier]

165. IMO I think anyone who has ever been interested (and has the means to run ) will run

Given the fact that Kerry is probably not going anywhere soon and the winner could conceiveably have 3 terms in the Senate (depending on who they are), this may be the only chance some of them get.

on note: I think it's foolish to step aside to allow one's spouse to have the seat just because he/she woould like it to be so.

[Dogtown]

47. too harsh

He's expressing his wishes, not installing a dynasty.
The people will choose.

Have a little heart.

[susankh4]

55. Last time I knew...

the Kennedys were a dynasty.

No installation required.

[Dogtown]

62. Oh, one of *those*

Ok, you win.

[Zachstar]

72. There is no such thing as installing in congress.

[merh]

87. What are you anti-female politician or something

or is it just the Clinton's dynasties you support?

BTW - it appears she passed the bar when she first took the exam. The political dynasty would be her own, her father is a well respected democratic politicio in Louisiana from what I have read.

[bean fidhleir]

149. The wealthy are always dynastic - everything is always about them, to them

Teddy is no different.

[mzmolly]

100. Why, what are her political leanings?

:shrug:

[MADem]

57. I sure as hell hope NOT. I want Barney Frank to run. He's overdue.

What the hell, we were the first in the nation with gay marriage, we may as well send an openly gay Senator to DC, too. He'd be the smartest guy in the room, too.

[galledgoblin]

156. ooo I like that idea (n/t)

[jackster]

67. Coming from Mass....

I think that whatever Teddy wants, Teddy will get

Markey and Frank came to my mind immediately, and to be honest I never even thought of her, but it makes sense. I'm sure that the Mass congressional delegation probably are already aware of it.

[MADem]

130. Coming from MA, I think you misread the electorate.

I also think the delegation will find a way to disabuse the widow Kennedy of such a notion.

She'd be eaten alive by a Republican. Or maybe even an independent--whose ranks are growing by leaps and bounds in the Bay State.

[saracat]

162. Really? Then Why didn't Mass support Obama?

[MADem]

142. I think they'll be respectful as they disabuse her of the notion, certainly.

It's a lousy idea. For a lot of reasons.

[chimpymustgo]

152. How about being respectful of democracy. He can't leave his seat to her in his will. Geez people.

[jackster]

161. he's not... He knows that there will be a election

Its just that he believes that she could best represent the Commonwealth in the same manner he has for all these years. I have no problem with it. She's smart, tough, and could easily run on her own accord. Its not unprecedented you know.

[geiger]

12. perhaps it puts to rest the need for fiendish speculation.

[Tesha]

34. I wondered if Marty Meehan has been kicking himself lately for choosing as he did. (NT)

[chelsea0011]

35. There are probably more than one who are dissappointed to hear

this news but the elephant in the room will be Mitt Romney. With already winning a state-wide election, I thinkhe would like another shot at the Senate. Disturbing.

[MADem]

52. Sick elephant. Mitt didn't run for reelection, NOT because he would have been "too busy" as

governor while running for the Presidency (he didn't do shit the whole time he had the job), but because he would have been roundly defeated.

A potted plant could have beaten Romney if he'd run again. He's used up his MA political capital. Totally. He might try it, sure, and he might throw all sorts of cash at a run (again) but I don't think the voters will be fooled. We didn't care for what he called "governance." He was a total tool the last time he tried to run for the Senate.

And we've occasionally had the odd GOP senator, but he's no Leverett Saltonstall or Ed Brooke. Not by a long shot.

And he never will be, either.

[chelsea0011]

158. You know, I never thought that empty shirt had a chance to be

Governor, but look what happened. My state confuses me sometimes. But there is no way Mitt will bypass a special election. He is the only Republican with name recognition.

[chelsea0011]

36. There are probably more than one who are dissappointed to hear

this news but the elephant in the room will be Mitt Romney. With already winning a state-wide election, I thinkhe would like another shot at the Senate. Disturbing.

[Spouting Horn]

44. And what about his nephew?

The Senate isn't the House of Lords, and we do not have a Royal system.

Let the best candidates duke it out in the primary.

[iconicgnom]

89. "The Senate isn't the House of Lords" - exactly my thought.

And it should be kept that way.

[mac2]

154. Seems that way by the legislation they pass.

[mac2]

8. Depends on her politics doesn't it?

http://www.fulcrumgallery.com/ProductList.aspx?cat=categories_subjnew_scenic_waterfalls&source=GoogleAdWords&ad=waterfallsprints&gclid=COmooYHW348CFRqwOAodvklikg

As a Senator she would not be up for election until 2012. She's well educated and certainly lived around the issues long enough. Another woman Senator would be great.

[OzarkDem]

20. Interesting proposal

considering so many in our party are now claiming that wives don't know anything or have no experience.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mac2]

27. Kennedy is going sailing so he's getting on with his life.

We should discuss his replacement if he wants to resign. He has given more than enough to his country.

A replacement can't wait a long time since his seat will be empty and his vote needed.

[OzarkDem]

48. Making a valid point

Let's not uphold double standards for the spouse of any elected official.

The venom expressed is unwarranted and unwelcome.

[MADem]

56. No, it ISN'T dispicable. Read the article. It's not a "finish out the term appointment."

She would have to RUN for the job.

She'd have to convince the voters to vote for her.

The election WOULD be "political"--it wouldn't be a placeholder situation.

[iconicgnom]

90. Well, the thread is about exactly that point.

[mac2]

33. Mrs. Bono (R-CA) has been re-elected since taking her husband's

seat. She's on her second or third marraige. A fellow politican I understand (divorced his wife for her). That's family values for ya.

[IronLionZion]

86. You have no shame at all do you?

:puke:

[rpannier]

22. I don't thinks that's correct

I think whomever gets the seat may only hold it until the next general election - 2010

This is why WY and MS have both Senate seats up for grabs this year.

[MADem]

60. No. A special election is held at once. The winner finishes out the term.

The term ends in 2012.

From the article, where the NEW rule is mentioned:

Under current Massachusetts law, his successor for the rest of his term, which ends in 2012, would be picked by special election. State rules that allowed the governor to pick a temporary replacement were changed in 2004 when John Kerry was the presidential nominee and the Democratic state legislature feared then-GOP Gov. Mitt Romney would appoint a fellow Republican if Kerry won.

[rpannier]

164. Thank you MADem

I was unsure of the procedure, but I was pretty sure you couldn't appoint someone to fill a term longer than the next election.

Thank you for providing us (me) with the facts.

:toast:
:hi:
:hug:

[MADem]

59. NO--she would be up for election almost immediately. There's no "appointment" process.

There's a special election. No finishing out the term anymore.

The rules were changed to prevent Romney from taking Kerry's seat, back when we thought Kerry was going to be President.

[goclark]

9. I'm with you Sen.. Kennedy

:hug:

The Senator would never want to tarnish the Kennedy name.

He must have good reasons to want that and I'm 100 % with him.

[bdamomma]

11. that would be wonderful if she did, why not.

[Dead Elephant]

14. Ted Kennedy is part of a dying breed

Hopefully he will be here for a while.
The senate (and democrats) will have a massive whole that will need to be filled.

[Squatch]

26. The seat should be put up for election by the population of MA.

[mac2]

28. Kennedy is in office until 2012.

He picks his wife to replace him. She is his voice for now. She's more than qualified. More woman in the Senate are needed. It's such a male frat club.

It's a little late in the year to run a candidate for Senator in November.

[Squatch]

29. If he dies before then (God forbid), then the vacant seat should be

filled by a person of the peoples' choosing.

[MADem]

131. If he doesn't die or resign. Then, there's a special election.

He doesn't "pick" his wife to replace him in that instance. Read the link at the OP. If he leaves that seat, there's a SPECIAL election. Plenty of time between now and NOV to do it. These things can happen in as short as two or three months if need be.

I'd even gather signatures for Barney Frank, too, to put him on the ballot, if he wanted to try. OR Niki Tsongas, if she did.

Vicki is as qualified as anyone else, but not MORE so. And she doesn't get the job unless the voters of MA say so. She'd have to run, to state her case, and earn it.

And sorry--most of us don't really know her. We know who she is, but most of us wouldn't recognize her voice, like we would Jackie Kennedy's, or Rose Kennedy's, or Maria Shriver's. Many wouldn't recognize her face, either. We know who she is when she stands next to Ted, but on her own? Not so much.

When most people say "Wife of Ted" most people still think "JOAN."

[MissMillie]

58. by law, it has to be.

and it will be.

But he's letting the electorate know who he's endorsing.

[mac2]

155. Good point.

But my point was we do need more women in the Senate and it would be nice if she did run (under your state rules) and win.

[JerseygirlCT]

174. See above - it will be. He is just making known his preference for

the Democratic candidate.

[Sam Ervin jret]

30. I don't like inherited power. But I don't assume she has no talent either. Put her out there with

the rest. Put her ideas and talent up for debate and let the people decide.

Ted's word for his seat will carry more weight in MA than his endorsement of a presidential candidate will. This will obviously give her a huge advantage but will it give her the seat?


I want this to be all speculation and I want Ted healthy and back to work.

We love u Ted.:loveya: :yourock: :hug:

[mac2]

31. Apparently Ted doesn't want to return to work.

He has Cancer treatments, etc. for now.

[Squatch]

32. If he's unable to perform his duties now or in the future, then what's keeping him from resigning?

[ourbluenation]

41. who says he won't?

[Freddie Stubbs]

97. Perhaps he wants to time his resignation to benefit his wife's candidacy

[Sam Ervin jret]

65. he can't want to go through an election with his wife now? does he?

Talk about exhausting. If he were to resign and an election were held now that would be exhausting too.

But maybe he wants to spend his energy ensuring his seat goes to someone he trusts?

[MADem]

133. He doesn't have to. There is no rule that says a Senator has to show up.

Ask that guy who had the AVM.

Ask Arlen Specter. They both missed a load of time.

[Stuckinthebush]

37. Bad idea

It sends the wrong message.

The whole "keep the seat in the family" crap has to be extinguished.

[eridani]

38. Only if she can win a primary election n/t

[Gormy Cuss]

39. I hope the people of MA have and make a different choice.

If I still lived in the state I would prefer that one of the senior MOCs, past or present, be offered as candidate. Here's why. I lived in the 8th CD when Tip was the congressman. When he retired it was pretty clear that the fix was in -- the next congressman would be a Kennedy and the selection process was only a matter of which one. We ended up with the lukewarm Joseph P. II, Bobby's son. Although he had developed a good reputation with Citizen's Energy he didn't make much of a mark as congressman.

Markey or Meehan come to mind as potential replacements. Delahunt would be good, others like Capuano would be disastrous. Kennedy's wife would be very low on my list.

[1776Forever]

42. I am not from MA but I would say give her a chance! I read a special election must be held -

So why not give her a chance if she wants it? She seems very close to Sen. Kennedy's beliefs and would further his ideals in the Senate. :shrug:

[masshole]

43. No Special Election if Ted retires before July 8

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/54-140.htm

If Ted decides to leave office before July 8 of this year the election will be held on the Nov. 4th ballot, with the primary held in September on the regular primary date (9/16).


PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT


TITLE VIII. ELECTIONS


CHAPTER 54. ELECTIONS


PROCEEDINGS UPON FAILURE TO ELECT, AND VACANCIES IN STATE OFFICES


Chapter 54: Section 140. Senators and representatives in congress; vacancies


Section 140. (a) Upon failure to choose a senator or representative in congress or upon creation of a vacancy in that office, the governor shall immediately cause precepts to be issued to the aldermen in every city and the selectmen in every town in the district, directing them to call an election on the day appointed in the precepts for the election of such senator or representative. The day so appointed shall not be more than 160 nor less than 145 days after the date that a vacancy is created or a failure to choose occurs. Filing a letter of resignation creates a vacancy under this section, even if the resignation is not effective until some later time, but the date of the election to fill a vacancy under this section shall be after the resignation is effective.

(b) If a vacancy under this section is created after February 1 of an even-numbered year, the governor shall not issue the precepts required by subsection (a), except as subsection (c) provides for a vacancy for senator.

(c) If a vacancy is created for senator in congress after April 10 of an even-numbered year, the governor shall issue precepts under this section, unless section 152 requires that office to appear on the biennial state election ballot in that year. If this section prevents issuance of precepts for senator, the office shall appear on the biennial state election ballot in that year. If a vacancy for senator is created after April 10 of an even-numbered year, but on or before the seventieth day preceding the regular state primary, the precepts shall appoint the day of the regular state primary and the biennial state election for holding the special primary and special election required by this section.

(d) If at the time a senator or representative in congress is elected at the biennial state election, there exists a vacancy in that office, the senator or representative shall also be deemed to have been elected to serve out that vacancy.

(e) A senator elected to fill a vacancy under this section shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

[democrattotheend]

69. I hope he doesn't

I hope he stays in the Senate for as long as possible, although he might want to retire now to spend more time with his family, which would be understandable.

[Barack_America]

45. All I hear about her from Ted's colleagues are glowing remarks.

They seem to have great respect for her, and true affinity as well.

[nvme]

46. I am about to be flame-bait

I am all for liberal causes. I do however believe it is unwise to continue on the lines of royalty. The Kennedy family has sacrifice and shared much blood with our country. They are to be respected and honored for their contributions. The washington's, Lincoln's and Adam's all have their place in our history. So long as the democratic process is continued I will respect the kennedy's. I do not want to see someone elected by virtue of their last name again. This country still stings from the Bush's. I am sure Kennedy realizes her point of view is ideologically sound. Hence his recomendation. Respectfully, his opinon should carry weight. However, the voters must make the ultimate decision. IMO

[muryan]

50. I have family in Mass

They've spent their entire lives being represented by a kennedy, and they dont want that to change. I suspect they are not alone

[democrattotheend]

75. His successor would be picked by a special election

So he can express his preference for his wife to take his seat, but it's up to the voters to decide whether or not to honor his wishes. They can weigh whether she's qualified and decide for themselves. The governor does not appoint a replacement in Massachusetts, since the Democrats in the legislature changed the law in 2004 to prevent Romney from being able to appoint Kerry's successor if he won the presidency.

[defendandprotect]

49. I appreciate the sentiment ... and I'm sure that Vickie Kennedy would be an asset ---

but I think if this were someone like Orin Hatch asking that his seat go to his wife, I think
I'd be taking exception -- there's a kind of presumption of ownership here that makes me
uncomfortable. Or Arlen Specter?

[MADem]

51. I'd like Barney FRANK to have that seat. Actually.

I'm quite certain Ted's second wife is a very nice person, but it's not "Ted's" seat to give away. It belongs to the people of Massachusetts.

It's not uncommon for a wife to finish out a husband's term--that's certainly appropriate, especially since the staff, which has been with him for DECADES, will need to transition to other positions, all of his papers will need to be catalogued and prepared for archiving, and his wife probably knows most, if not all, of his staffers by name and even knows the names of their spouses and kids. It would simply be an easier process if that part was kept "all in the family" until all that can be sorted out. However, she can do that in a few months if she has to, without being a member of the Senate.

The huge Senate appointment rule change in Massachusetts mucks up what would have ordinarily been a "finish out your spouse's term and go home" evolution, though. The governor, thanks to Mitt Romney's eagerness to get his paws on Kerry's seat (silly us, we thought he'd be allowed to WIN!) had Kerry earned the Presidency (some speculated that Mitt, the little fuck, would appoint....HIMSELF) no longer appoints the replacement. It's a free for all special election.

A lot of MA pols have waited a LONG time to get a crack at the Senate. And a lot of MA constituents are less inclined to kiss the Kennedy ring than they once were, for a lot of reasons. There's respect, but there isn't lockstep obedience. I don't think that "out of respect for Ted" stuff is going to cut it. I'm not inclined to support her candidacy, even though, as I said, I am sure she is a very nice person. I'd like a sharp elbowed, very smart pol, like Barney Frank, representing us. And I'm open to other suggestions as well.

[TheCowsCameHome]

53. One Boston TV pundit suggested Frank is much more influential

in the House, rather than becoming a freshman Senator.

Should be interesting........

[MADem]

63. I have to say that the TV pundit has his head up his ass!

Being one of 435 is not as good as being one of a hundred. In the SENIOR legislative body, too.

And Kerry may not stick around forever. Even at that, Kerry, as "the JUNIOR Senator from Massachusetts" hasn't done so badly. Neither has "the JUNIOR Senator from Illinois" come to think of it.

How you do in the Senate is based on a lot of things--willingness to work HARD, work together, be collegial, reach across the aisle, form coalitions, and, last but not least, stick up for yourself and your ideas. Frank is ideally suited in those regards.

Pundit, Schmundit. Barney Frank is truly one of the greatest minds of this age. I think that pundit might not like an openly gay Senator from MA serving the Commonwealth--that's his real reason for telling Barney not to stick his head up and try for it. Too friken bad, I say!!!

[Freddie Stubbs]

92. He would start out as having the least seniority in the Senate

Frank is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. It would likely be years until he would get a committee chairmanship in the Senate.

[MADem]

115. Seniority hasn't been a prime factor since LBJ was majority leader.

It helps, but it no longer rules. He'd get some good seats on some good committees, of that I have no doubt.

Why?

Because part of your value to the party is....your ability to raise funds. If you can raise lots of money, the legislative leadership is going to accomodate you. Particularly if you aren't a cheapskate. If you set up a PAC and help others strategically, you curry favor and get yourself some of that Quid Pro Quo. You can become an assistant chair in the wink of an eye, and then...VOILA! In the right circumstance, a Chairmanship awaits!

Look how long it took Clinton to get on the highly coveted Armed Services Committee. Look away, blink, boom--there she is! No time at all. She was polite to Senator Byrd, she explained to his satisfaction why she wanted the job, he and others looked at her overall value to the party and it was "Do have a seat, are you comfortable?" It's how it works.

The LBGT/LGBT/GBLT (I never get the order right, no disrespect intended) community has one thing that EVERY politician would like to tap on a regular basis--their big fat ginormous WALLETS. They aren't poor marginalized slobs in the economic sphere--they make good money and they spend it wisely. That's a community with $$$$ CLOUT.

Barney Frank is ideally positioned to fundraise very effectively in that, as well as other, sectors. He's very appealing to people who know that they aren't stupid, frankly. He isn't a "talker downer" and he expresses complex ideas in forthright fashion. People LIKE to give him money. I'm not gay, so he doesn't sway me for that reason--I simply think he's a frigging GENIUS. A PRAGMATIC genius, too-which, IMO, is the best kind. If I were rich, he'd get the max at every opportunity. He's a smart guy who makes good decisions--a leader. We need more of those in the Senate.

[mac2]

54. Then who would replace Barney....Mrs. Kennedy?

I'm for more women in the Senate.

[MADem]

68. She could stand for election to his seat if she wanted. And maybe, if she proved herself,

she could run for Kerry's seat in a few years.

The days of handing out government jobs to people because their name is Kennedy here is over. That's why Joe wasn't able to cut it running for Governor. I doubt he'd cut it running for his uncle's job, either--that ex-wife would probably come back and raise Cain again.

There's a lot of respect for the Kennedy family, and there's plenty of gratitude for their many good works, but MA is no longer an exclusive Kennedy fiefdom. I don't think it ever will be, again. Those days are OVER.

If you'd like, you can take a walk down memory lane vis a vis Joe at this link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces98/stories/ma082997.htm


There's a lot of political talent here, not all of it moneyed and from political dynasties.

[Pappy]

64. Career politicians have got to go, and Ted is no exception

It was very selfish of Ted to stay in that seat as long as he did. The founding fathers meant for those seats to be vacated after a couple of terms so we could get new people in. His belief that the seat belongs to his family is of great concern.

[jackster]

71. that thinking may be have worked in centuries past

but in this day and age, we need politicians who are indeed public servants and who bring experience, knowledge and history with them. Where term limits have been instituted, there has been massive failures IMHO. Look at Florida. PERFECT EXAMPLE. The president of the state senate is a young republican who is a complete and utter boob!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

82. why? the peopel of mass wanted him. shouldnt the people get what they want?

[Freddie Stubbs]

94. If the Founding Fathers had meant for that, why didn't they put term limits in the Constitution?

:shrug:

[democrattotheend]

66. Is he resigning now?

Or is this just a contingency plan?

[ckramer]

74. I'm 500% supporting the idea !

His wife is the perfect replacement !

[theboss]

77. This tradition should have ended in the 50s.

I love Kennedy, but that seat is not the Kennedy Family's Seat. It's not up to him to choose a successor as he is not nobility.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

79. Why not his nephew Robert F. Jr.?

[Deep13]

81. Is he a resident of MA?

:shrug:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

88. no...damn.....he lives in mt kisco, ny

[Freddie Stubbs]

95. No, but his brother is:

http://www.citizensenergy.com/english/pages/72/team

[Deep13]

99. Well, I no longer have a horse in this race...

...since I haven't lived there since 1991. Nevertheless, I remember having a pretty unfavorable impression of Joe III.

[MADem]

145. Joe had to quit his run for the governorship a few years back. He's too much of a scandal magnet.

Pissed off ex-wife, burned his kids playing with illegal fireworks, crazy brother who molests the babysitter, too cozy for the tastes of the average Bay Stater with Hugo Chavez...forget about it.

Not a chance in hell.

[MADem]

143. Maybe because he's from NY, and he's the likely successor to Clinton if she wins? NT

[La Lioness Priyanka]

80. i find it amusing that no one is throwing the word dynasty around now.

[Deep13]

93. I thought that too.

I guess it depends on which dynasty we are talking about.

I guess I don't care about that as long as the person can handle the job. I'm never going to be a Senator and I doubt you will either, so it is not like the rest of us are missing out on the job opportunity. I've come to accept that the USA is a democracy in the same way Rome was a republic, with rich dynasties controlling everything.

[Nihil]

172. Good point.

> I've come to accept that the USA is a democracy in the same way
> Rome was a republic, with rich dynasties controlling everything.

In a democracy there are no dynasties: not Bush, not Clinton and
not Kennedy.

That's a point for the minions to ponder while the rich decide how
to arrange the coming elections ...

[Freddie Stubbs]

96. That only applies to Bushes and Clintons

[mzmolly]

102. We could say it's interesting that many who support Hillary are not defending

his choice for the office. I can't imagine Bill not supporting Hillary and if Ted's wife has agreed to carry on his progressive passion, I say why not?

:shrug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

104. i am not opposed to it. MA should vote in anyone who they want to. however i am not the

one who has been whining about dynasty for months now :eyes:

[ronnykmarshall]

106. What she said.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

109. proves how fake that outrage was.

[mzmolly]

107. Has Kennedy been whining about "dynasty'" for months?

I don't believe he has.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

108. nope but people have been whining about dynasty for months now.

apparantly only applicable if you are a clinton not if you are a kennedy.

[mzmolly]

113. Well, I see your point, but I think if Hill were dying and wanted Bill

to fill her shoes in the Senate we'd all understand.

I get your point, I just don't want us to lose sight of the fact that a great man is likely dying, here.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

116. this isnt about kennedy's health, its about his seat.

i am devastated about the fact that he is dying but these are different things.

[mzmolly]

118. It's about who he wants to fill his seat, because of his

health. Sorry, I think post of this nature are opportunistic and made in very poor taste.

Peace

[La Lioness Priyanka]

124. i find hypocrisy to be actively repulsive. nt

[mzmolly]

138. As do I, thus my

response.

I also find it repulsive to make a point, on the death bed of a great Senator.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

140. again i think you are deliberately confusing the threads. this is not the announcement that he is

dying but the political decision of what to do w. the seat.

[mzmolly]

144. And his seat may be open due to a life threatening health issue.

It could be said that many of us are "confusing" the issues in regard to this situation.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

146. no i am not. several threads have been made about the announcement of his death

etc. all of which i expressed my condolences for, because i am sincerely sad that he is dying

this thread is about what to do w. "his" seat and the fact that he want this seat to be taken by his wife.

[mzmolly]

147. We disagree.

Peace

[ronnykmarshall]

110. I don't think she was referring to Kennedy.

Nor am I when I say she's correct in her assessment of irony in here.

For the record, I think Mrs. Kennedy would be a fine senator.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

111. i do too, i love ted kennedy and have cried several times now

thinking that he wont be around.

[mzmolly]

112. But this thread is about his wishes, and I feel he's being

unfairly scapegoated. :(

Thanks for the clarification RK.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

114. i am not scapegoating kennedy. i am accusing a lot of people of being hypocritical

in the way they accuse clinton and not kennedy of being part of a dynasty

[mzmolly]

119. I think there is a distinction to be made

but again, I understand your point.

[LanternWaste]

175. We know why that is

You are absolutely correct.

In the here and now, 'dynasty' is a word applicable ONLY to the Clinton family and the Bush regime.

We know why that is-- Dynasty is great pejorative for the intellectually dishonest to hang their hats on...

[ronnykmarshall]

121. No problemo.

I still can't get used to possibly not having Teddy in the Senate. :cry:

But I guess we knew we'd have to face it one day.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

123. i cant believe it either. it seems like he should be there forever.

ten kennedy gives me hope that politicians can actually live by their promises.

[ronnykmarshall]

103. Ironic huh?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

105. hypocritical. nt

[oasis]

135. Hypocritic Underground

[Gormy Cuss]

136. I'll say it. The Kennedy dynasty had done well for MA and well by MA, but it's time for a change.

In fact, it's long past time for a change if the best the Kennedy clan can offer is the senator's spouse. However, I no longer live in the state and it won't be up to me to inform the choice.

[MADem]

148. Me, too. I say it all the time here at DU: Where you stand depends on where you sit.

The idea looks REAL good if you're sitting in the Kennedy Box at the stadium. If you're sitting with the Frank or Meehan or Delahunt crowd in the bleachers, maybe the view doesn't look so good from there!

I get a slight kick out of the concept held by some that Massachusetts is just chockablock full of Kennedy Dynasty asskissers. That's not the case anymore. Hasn't been for awhile, actually. Sure, they get a slight leg up due to name recognition, but that is almost immediately wiped out in terms of any advantage it might convey because the press gets on them like a cheap suit. Joe Kennedy's rather dramatic public wipeout during his run for governor ten or so years back is instructive.

Ted Kennedy has actually EARNED his Senate seat here in MA in the latter half of his career, though. He got it because of his brother, he kept it, for awhile, despite booze, coke, and bad behavior, because of his name, but over the last few decades he's actually EARNED it.

However, that doesn't mean it's his. It's OURS. He doesn't pick the next Senator, we do.

I just don't see "Vicki" as a good fit. She's a good fit with HIM, but not with US. IMO. I'm sure she is a nice person, but aren't most of us, really?

[Deep13]

83. I'm sure the governor will consider his recommendation.

Ultimately, however, it will be up to the voters of MA.

[LSK]

84. how exactly does that work? can he just pass the Senate seat to his wife?

Or does the Gov have to appoint it? Or special election?

[MADem]

170. Read the full thread and click on the links. You'll find the answers to all your questions

contained therein.

[Strawman]

85. He can endorse whomever he chooses

And the voters can factor that into their decisions however they choose. He can't anoint anyone Senator, but I don't presume that is what he thinks he is doing. He has every right to make his wishes known while he still can.

I'm sure his endorsement will influence alot of voters since they have elected him what, 7 times?

This is completely speculative, but maybe he is also doing it to prevent infighting within his family. :shrug:

But I will say this: all things being equal, it might be best to find a good, qualified Democrat from outside the Kennedy family to hold this office next. I'm not a believer in term limits at all, but the idea of passing an office down to three different people in the same family consecutively over a 55-year period should give off an unpleasant odor of aristocracy to people who call themselves democrats (small d), even the most admiring devotees of the Kennedys. I don't think that is what this country should be all about. Then again, nowadays it's less about "aristocracy" than it is about recognizable, familiar, "brand names." And it's a very different relationship between the people and the ruling family in an aristocrat-citizen relationship as opposed to the brand-consumer relationship. Ultimately, both seem like unwelcome developments in our republic to me.

[Deep13]

101. I always liked Robert Reich. He still lives in Boston, doesn't he?

He talks about economics sometimes on NPR.

[BigDaddy44]

120. Yes, but his last name isn't Kennedy

This is THEIR seat after all. Didn't you hear?

[David__77]

126. Don't like the sound of it.

I'm sorry, but there's nothing unique about the Kennedy family politically. There's no assurance that she'd be a good senator.

[ckramer]

127. There is no one in this world knows better than Mrs. Kennedy on

Ted Kennedy's political philosophy.

That's why democrats should support her for the Senate seat.

[Honeycombe8]

128. Sounds good. But I hope his "time" is not here, or near. nt

[ShortnFiery]

132. I love Teddy but I have a problem with these things ... nepotism

I never believed in the "treasure" of The Kennedys or any other family who used relatives to "SNAG an unfair boost up."

No, not even for Teddy. It's time for NEW BLOOD. :shrug:

Forgive me, but I despise the concept of "political royalty." Even with the lauded Kennedys - NO WAY - we're not Britian, no ROYAL dynastic political families. :thumbsdown:

[hughee99]

134. I'd prefer to choose for myself,

No offense to Teddy or his wife, I simply don't know enough about her abilities and her politics to be comfortable "giving her a shot" on his say so. I think it would be complete scumbaggery if the state legislature now decided that since Romney is gone, they can change the rules again back to a governor's appointment situation. Despite their political reasons for doing so, the special election was the right thing to do and should stay. I'd have no issues if she chooses to run, and I'd look forward to hearing her making the case for herself, but we have a number of potential candidates who have well established credentials, and I'd hate to see his endorsement used to strong arm them out of the race.

[dailykoff]

137. Well, it doesn't say he said it recently,so this looks like old news,

but it's still very very interesting.. thanks!

[Liberty Belle]

139. Here's one widow who became the conscience of Congress during McCarthyism:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=mydu

[Freddie Stubbs]

150. Don't forget Mary Mary Bono Mack

[suston96]

151. Huh? Why are you linking to My Du?

[Liberty Belle]

157. Wrong link, here's the right one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3325693&mesg_id=3325808
Thanks!

[seriousstan]

153. Ted takes this Camelot idea too literally. He doesn't have an heir to his seat.

[Scout]

159. Good for him for speaking up now. I think his wishes should be honored...

the people of Massachusetts just might love and respect him enough to do it.

[yellowcanine]

167. I respect Ted Kennedy but this is an improper request. There is no "Kennedy Senate Seat."

The seat "belongs" to the people of Massachusetts. He does not get to designate his successor. He can encourage her to run, fine, but he should not be in the business of picking his replacement.

[many a good man]

166. Frank or Markey would make EXCELLENT Senators

I'd love to see either of them in the uppper chamber. That said, if I lived in Mass,. I'd probably vote for Vicky any way.

[Blue Gardener]

171. How about Caroline Kennedy?

She was my first thought to replace him, if it comes to that.

[saracat]

173. She is a New Yorker and not political.