Kerry Wins the Nomination. Vacates Seat. Republican Appointed.

[rucky]

Romney WILL appoint a Republican. Graham's out. Edwards' out. Zell's out (FWIW).

What other Senate seats are in jeopardy? What's the likelihood of filling them with Democrats? I know we've done this before, but not with Kerry as a factor.

In that scenario, would Kerry have to vacate his seat if he's nominated, or only if he wins the GE? Or maybe we're screwed even if Kerry loses & keeps his seat?

[lancdem]

1. I think he would only do it if/when he wins the GE

Clinton resigned as governor after he won the election.

[goobergunch]

18. Dole resigned from the Senate after being nominated (n/t)

[DrFunkenstein]

2. Who Would Fill Kucinich's Shoes In Congress?

No elf jokes!

I'm not sure what you are suggesting. Stop Kerry from running the Executive branch because one out of fifty seats in the Senate half of Legislative Branch would be vacated?

[rucky]

5. Yeah. that's what I'm suggesting

:eyes:

Just want to know the senate situation in that scenario.

I'm sure it's something the Kerry's people have examined.

[mot78]

3. Only if he wins against *

[jmaier]

4. We also have

John Breaux (LA) and Fritz Hollings (SC) retiring. Pretty much our entire nearly Democratic southern 'wing' is gone.

[rucky]

6. Any GOPers retiring?

[jmaier]

7. Not in the Senate, I believe

[markus]

12. Arkansas, I believe

A possible pickup.

[arcos]

17. Arkansas has two democratic Senators... Sen. Lincoln and Sen Pryor...

Pryor was elected in 2002, and Lincoln faces reelection next November.

on edit: Sen. Fitzgerald from IL is retiring... it will probably go Democratic.

[West Coast Democrat]

8. When will the election for Kerry's seat be held?

I'm assuming the temporary appointment won't last long.

[mark414]

10. longer than we'd like

kerry just won re-election in 2002...

[West Coast Democrat]

13. I think there would be a special election

I just don't know when

[CalProf]

15. Special election in 2006. Barney Frank would win it. n/t

[mohc]

9. I asked this earlier this week and noone answered

If Kerry becomes the nominee, he could resign his seat right then. Some states allow for a special election to be held if the resignation is done far enough ahead of time held concurrently with the Nov election. Romney could still appoint an interim replacement, but that would only be 2-3 months most of which would be out of session. This would of course mean that if Kerry lost the GE he is out of office, but we would get to keep a senate seat.

Does anyone know MA law with regard to vacancies?

[West Coast Democrat]

14. I'm not sure of the current law, but Senator Kennedy

was first elected in a special election sometime after President Kennedy was sworn in.

[mohc]

16. Yes, but...

He was elected in 1962 because JFK did not resign until he won the GE. This meant for 2 years the Governors nominee was in office. This is common practice in most states. But what varies from state to state is how long before the GE a resignation has to be for the special election to coincide with it. We all remeber the hub-bub around switching nominees in the senate race in NJ in 2002. If Kerry resigns after July 26, its doubtful that Romney would even get to appoint a replacement. The Senate is only in session for about a month after the summer recess, and there would not be much of a point. July should definitely be early enough to get another Dem on the ballot in MA. The only question is if its allowed by law.

[Monte Carlo]

11. I wonder if Romney really would appoint a Republican...

... he has the power, but a lot of people in Massachusetts could make his political life very difficult. Ted Kennedy might have something to say, too.