Howard Fineman on appointment of Senator to replace Kennedy-"I think it's gonna happen."

[jenmito]

Just now on Countdown. He said he has sources who are telling him this WILL happen. I don't remember many more details, but it sounds good! Anyone else hear it and have more details?

[Mass]

1. More here, from the local media in MA

Also, this morning, the news here were saying that both Governor Patrick and Senator Kerry were speaking in favor for it. So, I guess it is a question for it to go thru the MA congress. Apparently, Reid did as well.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/08/26/State-leaders-spar-over-Sen/1251334523.html

[jenmito]

3. Thanks! I like this-"Many Democrats think -- and Republicans fear -- that that occupant of

the second Massachusetts Senate seat could prove this autumn's crucial 60th vote thwarting a Republican filibuster and approving President Obama's sweeping health care plan. That plan had also been a passionate priority for Senator Kennedy."

ibid

[alsame]

2. Dukakis is a possible placeholder, he said. nt

[jenmito]

4. Thanks! I saw them show video of him but didn't know why. I was writing my OP. n/t

[alsame]

7. Fineman said he's a good choice because he's a policy wonk and is

probably up to date on all the bills. And he has no interest in running for the seat, he would be willing to be a temp.

This is all according to Fineman's sources, so take with a grain of salt.:)

Also, he speculated that one of the Kennedys (one of Bobby's sons) MAY be interested in running - in that case, no other Dem would challenge because they wouldn't want to run against a Kennedy.

[Mass]

8. Dukakis is rumored to be one of the choices. However, if Finenan thinks

nobody will challenge Joe Kennedy, he is a fool (though it is not clear whether he intends to run or not. He seems to be the perennial candidate, but he said in a couple of interviews along the years that he did not want to go back into politics).

[Cha]

18. It's not for

everybody.

[Captain Hilts]

25. I ADORE Dukakis! He's progressive and wouldn't run for a new term. nt

[jenmito]

9. That makes sense...

and yeah, I heard him say that about Kennedy's son. Thanks again.

[Mass]

5. It would be a good choice. He is too old to run for the seat, but

it would allow the state to be represented by a solid Democrat until January, when the election is held.

[Captain Hilts]

27. Exactly!

[Captain Hilts]

26. PLEASE make it so! He's such a smart guy! nt

[WI_DEM]

6. Dukakis would be a good temporary place holder and he'll vote the right way too.

[jenmito]

10. I agree. If this happens, the Repubs. will go crazy (crazier). n/t

[Mass]

11. More here.

http://www.thehour.com/story/474075

Among the graybeards being suggested as possible temporary replacements are former DNC Chairman Paul G. Kirk Jr. and the Democrats' 1988 presidential nominee, Michael Dukakis.

Tapping a high-profile party elder with no future political aspirations may be the best tactic for not only winning over a skeptical public, but placating those eager to run in the special election but concerned an interim senator would gain an advantage.

Those candidates may include Kennedy's nephew, former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, as well as Attorney General Martha Coakley and U.S. Reps. Michael Capuano and Stephen Lynch, all Democrats. Possible Republican candidates include Sen. Scott Brown of Wrentham and former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey.
...
Kirk, 71, is an attorney who served as party chairman from 1985 to 1989. He was a longtime friend of Kennedy's and serves as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

Dukakis, 75, is a former three-term governor of Massachusetts who lost the 1988 presidential race to Republican George H.W. Bush. Since leaving office in 1991, he has become a university professor and party activist focused on grassroots organizing.

Other names floating in political circles include Philip Johnston, a former Dukakis Cabinet member, Clinton administration appointee and past chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and Nick Littlefield, a Boston attorney and former Kennedy chief of staff.
...

[alsame]

12. Who do you think is the best of the Dems who might run? nt

[Mass]

13. Among those listed here, I am a big fan of Joe Kennedy.

I like my rep, Markey, as well, or Jim McGovern. They are solid progressive. I like the opposition too. If this is the best they can offer, this election will be held during the primary.

[Phx_Dem]

15. Ditto. Joe's a great advocate for those among us who have less. n/t

[druidity33]

21. but, but, but...

Joe is in league with Communists! Hugo Chavez even!

http://www.citizensenergy.com/main/Home.html

:)

Seriously though, he has has been a godsend these past few winters in New England where the primary source of heat is home heating oil. Ugly habit, but hard to break. Nevertheless, Citizen's Energy was the only outfit still giving oil to folk when the price skyrocketed (partly because Hugo extended, then expanded the program... before last year he canceled it, then started it again)

I'd would LOVE for him to be our Senator, but i think the interim person is PROHIBITED from running in the election, so i would be opposed to him getting the short appointment. I think Dukakis would be a good placeholder.

[alsame]

16. Good to know...I didn't think the GOP would have much of a

chance of getting this seat!

[Sebastian Doyle]

19. Johnston is absolutely unacceptable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_W_Johnston

A Blue Cross shill in Teddy's seat? FUCK no!!

Same for Littlefield.

http://bluecrossfoundation.org/About-Us/Board-of-Directors/Nick-Littlefield.aspx


GODDAMN IT. NO INSURANCE WHORES IN TEDDY'S SEAT!! :grr:

[Phx_Dem]

14. He also said if Joe wants to run for the seat, he'll get

first dibs and no one will oppose him. Not sure Joe wants to get back into office, but he's make a great temporary replacement if he doesn't want to run for election.

[TayTay]

17. I think Michael Dukakis would make a great Temp Senator

and would do a very good job. He should certainly be under consideration for the short term appointment.

[Cha]

20. How ironic that would be for MIchael

Dukakis to be the 60th vote to pass real Health Care Reform.

[Jennicut]

22. Dukakis would be perfect as a placeholder...I really hope this happens

[BeyondGeography]

23. Add me to the pro-Dukakis chorus

That would be poetic. To see and hear him, it's hard to believe he's 75; he's in fantastic shape:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh6QoHBSYf0

[Captain Hilts]

28. About two years ago he was on C-Span at the Dole Center. Fantastic. nt

[PopSixSquish]

31. Poetic Justice Indeed

Senator Mike Dukakis - has a nice ring to it...

[Clio the Leo]

24. Gov. Patrick is making it pretty clear.....

..... he said this morning he's just waiting on a bill to sign.

[rhett o rick]

29. I hope the repukes scream to high heaven. Time to get tough. nt

[Cha]

30. Yeah, they have a lot to scream about

..they're going to have to pick and choose or they'll burn out.

[Blaukraut]

32. Yeah, all seven of them. Their screams won't make it past

the Hancock Tower, never mind to heaven, but let them go right ahead.

[rhett o rick]

33. The real problem is that they are sneaking into the Democratic Party and pulling the party

to the far right.