Reid pushes idea of special appointment for Kennedy seat

Source: CNN

"While it is ultimately up to the people of Massachusetts and their representatives at the State House to decide this matter, Senator Reid agrees with Senator Kennedy and Gov. Patrick that the law should be changed," Jim Manley, a spokesman for Reid, told CNN. "With so many important matters to be decided, the people of the Commonwealth need two Senators to represent Massachusetts until the special election."

Reid's office confirms he has discussed the issue with Governor Patrick, who has embraced the appointment idea. Current state law says the seat will remain vacant until a special election is held between 145 and 160 days after the seat became empty — with the clock starting to tick on Wednesday.

Any amendment to state law allowing an interim Senator to be named until the special election first has to be considered by a joint legislative committee which will hold a public hearing. If it receives that panel's recommendation, both houses of the state legislature would need to consider the measure twice.

"I'm hoping the legislature will turn to it soon, and if they send me a bill, I will sign it," Patrick told CNN's American Morning on Thursday.


Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/27/reid-pushes-idea-of-special-appointment-for-kennedy-seat/

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Expected first step to get the caucus back to 60

...healthcare vote hanging in the balance.

Of course Repugs will fight it.

How about putting that same effort into getting the special election ASAP?