In 2004, Senator Edward Kennedy asked the Massachusetts political leadership to change the law that allowed the governor to appoint an interim Senator, because Governor Romney would have appointed a Republican if Senator Kerry won the Presidency. The politicians changed the law to require a special election within five months of a vacancy.
Fast forward to 2009 and the Massachusetts legislature and the governor are currently evaluating a recent request from Senator Kennedy to again change the law of succession for a senate seat. The current law requires an election be held 145 days to 160 days after the death of Senator Kennedy. Massachusetts is considering changing the law to allow Governor Patrick, a Democrat, to appoint an interim senator.
The move is designed to keep the number of Democratic senators at 60, which is the number needed to cut off debate and stop a filibuster. It is possible the passage of health care reform legislation might hinge on just one vote. Hopefully it will be defeated to save this country from Socialized health care, which will cost the U.S. an additional $1 trillion, and $500 billion will come from cuts in Medicare. Approximately 50 million new patients will be immediately added to the currently stretched system, including 13 million illegal aliens.
Kennedy served his country well, but Massachusetts should not change the law to satisfy partisan politics and contribute to the Socialization of this country.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH