KENNEDY'S PASSING, GOP RESIGNATIONS TO ALTER SENATE MEMBERSHIP
News Date September 01, 2009
This past week was marked by the death of notable statesman Sen. Ted Kennedy (D - MA). Kennedy’s passing on Tuesday leaves vacant the Senate seat he occupied for 46 years. Although a special election has been set for January 19, 2010, it remains unclear exactly how and when his seat will be filled.
In 2004 state lawmakers passed a law effectively barring then Gov. Mitt Romney (R - MA) from appointing a Republican successor for Sen. John Kerry (D - MA) had he won the presidential election. Shortly before his death Kennedy began a push for a reversal of the law which, if changed, would allow Gov. Deval Patrick (D - MA) to appoint a temporary successor. Under current Massachusetts law a special election must be held to fill the seat. It has been suggested that Kennedy’s widow, Vicki Kennedy, succeed her late husband. Should Kennedy decide not to pursue her late husband’s seat, a number of Massachusetts politicians are likely to scramble for the seat.
After Sen. Mel Martinez (R- FL) unexpectedly resigned from office Gov. Charlie Crist (R – FL) appointed his former chief of staff George LeMieux to fill the seat. The decision by Crist, who has announced intentions to run in 2010 for the senate seat vacated by Martinez, has attracted criticism within the state.
The Senate will likely see additional changes this year as it is expected Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R – TX) will soon announce her resignation as she prepares for the 2010 Texas gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R - TX). It is unclear who Perry will appoint to replace the seat vacated by Hutchinson. (By: Ethan Mathews, Policy Contact: David Hickey)