Senator Ted Kennedy, recognizing that he could die any time and that, politically, it would cause Democrats to lose their super-majority, is asking Massachusetts' Democrat governor Deval Patrick and Democrat-controlled legislature to change the rules of succession for his seat to keep it safely in Democrats' hands.
In his letter, which was obtained by the Globe, Kennedy said that he backs the current succession law, enacted in 2004, which gives voters the power to fill a US Senate vacancy. But he said the state and country need two Massachusetts senators...
Under the 2004 law, if Kennedy were to die or step down, voters would select his successor in a special election to be held within five months of the vacancy.
The law was enacted to prevent then Republican governor Mitt Romney from appointing a Republican to replace Kennedy. But now that a Democrat holds that position, it's imperative that Massachusetts have two senators every. single. minute.
Hypocrisy? Nah.
It's Democrisy.
Thanks to Chuck Serio for the tip.
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