Democrats Control Senate? Don't Be So Sure!

[Brown]

From Reuters and Yahoo:

U. S. Sen. Tim Johnson, Democrat of South Dakota, had an apparent stroke on Wednesday at his office in Washington and has been hospitalized, NBC News reported.
...
South Dakota's governor, Michael Rounds, who would appoint any successor if there is a vacancy, is a Republican.

Not only that, the state legislature is solidly Republican.

Appointment of a Republican would put 50 Republicans in the Senate and give the Republicans effective control of the Senate.

 

[firecoins]

http://today.reuters.com/news/artic..._0_US-USA-CONGRESS-JOHNSON.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

 

[American]

I thought Byrd or Kennedy would croak really soon. Maybe even McCain with his history of skin cancer.

 

[firecoins]

I thought Byrd or Kennedy would croak really soon. Maybe even McCain with his history of skin cancer.

If someone shot Kennedy it would be poetic injustice. If he died by hit and run, it would be poetic justice.

 

[hgc]

Maybe even McCain with his history of skin cancer.

Seriously, have you had a look at the left side of McCain's face lately. He's starting to look like he's got a facial prosthesis right out of the Star Trek makeup department. I think he might be Ferringhi or something.

 

[hgc]

They're saying "stroke-like symptons." Sounds mild enough. Hang in there Tim! You can do your job better than most senators, with one arm hanging by your side (as opposed to tied behind your back).

 

[CFLarsen]

Doesn't he have a replacement who can just step in? Kinda like the VP.

 

[hgc]

Doesn't he have a replacement who can just step in? Kinda like the VP.

No.

 

[CFLarsen]

No.

Hmmm.....wouldn't that be a good idea?

I mean...even politicians get sick. Why have a system that allows your political opponent to benefit from your misfortune?

 

[ImaginalDisc]

Call me provincial, but where I come from, we wait for a person to turn cold before burying them. The man is ill, not dead. Numerous other Senators have been in poor health and have served out their terms, such as the perennially hospitalized Strom Thurman. Doesn't a Senator have to resign or die before the State selects a new one in a manner of their choosing?

 

[hgc]

Hmmm.....wouldn't that be a good idea?

I mean...even politicians get sick. Why have a system that allows your political opponent to benefit from your misfortune?

The very quintessence of a loaded question.

Let's try it this way: Why not have a system where the governer of a state, also elected, is able to appoint someone to fill a seat in the Senate or House, should it become vacant, until the next regular election or in some cases a special election is held?