I support Senator Kennedy’s proposal.
I would like to see Carolyn Kennedy be the interim Senator.
I’d like to see Governor Patrick duke it out with the other contenders in a special election.
I’d like to see Tim Murray take over as Governor, and run for re-election as Governor next fall. Not because I particularly like him, but because I think its time for a new quarterback.
Please share widely!
hrs-kevin says
christopher says
hrs-kevin says
I don’t think it is even remotely politically viable to pick a long-time out of stater, even if she is a Kennedy.
christopher says
…that she could move to MA, thus make herself eligible. Besides, I think this suggestion was made on the notion that she would not seek her own election anyway.
peter-porcupine says
heartlanddem says
did not have brain cancer at the time.
lightiris says
When she opened her mouth in New York, it became clear that she was not cut out for elective office unless she undergoes a great deal of rememdial training. She came off as haughty and ill-informed.
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p>If we’re goint to get sentimental about it, let another Kennedy do it who has real political experience and lives in Massachusetts. Give it to Joe? He’s definitely not interested in running for public office again, and he’s experienced enough to know how the game is played. Win/win.
liveandletlive says
stomv says
Somebody else suggested the Duke.
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p>He’s an elder statesman.
He’s certainly experienced.
He’s clearly not interested in running for senate in the special.
There’s no “dynasty” aspect like there’d be with a Kennedy (or Clinton, or Bush, etc).
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p>So why not have 120 days of Senator Dukakis?
sabutai says
I like Duke, but how is he on health care issues, on getting votes on things? This appointment makes it seem that this state has only a past, not a future.
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liveandletlive says
He was a strong proponet of single payer, which I disagreed with him on. But I am certain if he had been elected instead of John Kerry, we would have an outspoken advocate on our side for health care reform with a public option.
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p>I’ve thought about that often this last month. What a difference it would be to have Ed O’reilly helping us win this fight.
peter-porcupine says
joets says
Why not Jamie Kennedy? He already passes the name test. I’m sure we can spin his resume to be senator-worthy.
atticus says
my suggestion would be James Roosevelt, grandson of FDR, former head of the Massachusetts DNC and current CEO of Tufts Health Care. At 63 he is seasoned and knowledgeable about health care and was also the associate commissioner for Retirement Policy for the Social Security Administration before joining Tufts Health Plan in 1999 as senior vice president and general counsel. He held that position until June 2005, when he became President and Chief Executive Officer of Tufts Health Plan.
georgerobbins3 says
I remember there was buzz a few years ago about him running for a house seat.
pablophil says
I’ve thought about this long and hard, and…
how about me?
bostonshepherd says
It’s hysterical! You’ve listed every warmed-over, career-political-insider from Provincetown to Pittsfield to, well, New York City.
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p>For a couple of days I thought it might not be a bad idea to blend the prior law with the current law, i.e., an interim appointment followed by a special election, thus providing unbroken representation.
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p>But after reading your list, I’m now squarely in the “let’s have an election” camp.
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p>I would rather have someone randomly chosen off the state’s income tax roll than pick any of the names you suggest.
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p>Isn’t time for some new blood?
pablophil says
I am NOT a warmed-over, career-political-insider, though I asm from Provincetown to Pittsfield.
af says
is fine if you think of it outside the framework of a temporary appointment of a few months. If I’m an up and comer, I’m not sure I want to take this slot, then try to run for something much lower on the food chain later. Otherwise, the very temporary position, without the possibility of turning it into a full time gig, is the ideal slot for a reliable old name. Dukakis, yes, Joe Kennedy, not so much.
cater68 says
No hard feelings, Danny Boy!
atticus says
How about that cop Crowley from Cambridge. If you don’t vote the way he wants you to vote . . . he will arrest you.
billxi says
I’m being serious here. Ted resigns with a specified target in mind, we have the special election in the interim, and the newly elected senator steps right in. My State Rep. Paul Frost, has not been able to find out why it can’t happen.
peter-porcupine says
somervilletom says
As nearly as I can tell, Beacon Hill itself is a joke at the moment. I do appreciate the humor in the situation, though, thanks for front-paging this.
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p>I figure Carolyn Kennedy has name recognition and three brain cells. The latter criteria rules out the current GOP offerings.
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p>The real value of all this, in my opinion, is to give all of us permission to actually talk about a new quarterback in the corner office. We desperately need one, now.
peter-porcupine says
eaboclipper says
He’s made a Rock the Vote Commercial
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huh says
Is there any topic you get right?
ryepower12 says
We not discount the fact that Ted’s still alive and kicking. He may be very ill and likely won’t be with us much longer, but discussing “who’s next” just doesn’t feel right to me. There’s plenty of time for that when there’s time for that, and there’s not even a law passed allowing for an interim senator. We’re getting ahead of ourselves on several fronts, here.
billxi says
Looking to give the democratic party an advantage. I take that as the Massachusetts democratic party telling it’s citizens that they are too stupid to vote.
Yeah stormy, trash me again. Keep your heads in the sand folks.
christopher says
The current law and Kennedy’s suggestion both provide for the voters to elect a Senator as soon as possible. Some even prefer that the appointed interim not run in the special so as to level the playing field. Apparently you’re another one who thinks it’s more important to kick the Democratic Party around then have full representation for your state.
billxi says
Hasn’t had full representation for 25 years. You people changed the law in 2004. Now you want to cement your advantage. Nope, ain’t buying it.
As to my suggestion: just what the hell is wrong with it? Is there something wrong with a fair election? I’m sorry, yes there is: you may not win!
christopher says
If your suggestion is hold an election most here appear to be with you, some even insisting that an appointee not be allowed to run in the election.
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p>What do you mean no full representation in 25 years? We’ve had our full delegation intact for most of that time. If your complaint is adequate or agreeable representation, well House is elected every two years and Senators every 6 and I hate to break it to you, but Democrats WON most of those elections, usually overwhelmingly.
billxi says
ROFLMAO! Let’s just say he represented unemployed americans real well in ’04.
lightiris says
Ted Kennedy has devoted his career to health care reform. No one who has been conscious for the past 40 years can say otherwise. Is it so terrible for him to want someone to be on deck to cast his vote for him, essentially, should die? Is that so heinous?
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p>Why are you so freakin’ angry? You’re the LAST person who should be crabbing about health care reform! Seriously! I’m sorry, I just don’t understand. Ted Kennedy’s crusade has been a crusade that you would have fucking benefited from. HFS.
billxi says
Ted is ruining his storied career by himself. Wanting to “keep the seat in the family”. And now changing the democratically endorsed law changed in 2004 so a Republican governor could not appoint an interim senator. I gotta say: this absolute power thing ain’t workin’ out too grandly.