Ailing Kennedy asks change Mass. law for replacement process (AP)

:patriot:

Ailing Kennedy asks change Mass. law for replacement process

BOSTON (AP) — A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has written a poignant letter to Massachusetts leaders asking that they change state law to allow a speedy replacement of him in Congress.

The note has been sent to Gov. Deval Patrick and the state's Senate president and House speaker at a time when Congress is considering an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a life cause of Kennedy's.

The letter acknowledges the state changed its succession law in 2004 to require a special election within five months to fill any vacancy. At the time, legislative Democrats were concerned then-Republican Gov. Mitt Romney would be able to fill any vacancy created as Democratic Sen. John Kerry ran for president.

But Kennedy writes "it is vital for this commonwealth to have two voices speaking for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election."

While Democrats hold a potentially filibuster-proof margin in Congress, the outcome of a health care reform bill could hinge on a single vote.

The letter was sent Tuesday, but Kennedy aides insist there is no material change in his condition since he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008.

Kennedy's absence from last week's funeral for his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, prompted a flurry of questions about his own health.

In his letter, Kennedy suggests the governor ensure the fairness of any appointment to replace him by seeking an "explicit personal commitment" his appointee will not seek the position on a permanent basis.

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http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-08-20-kennedy-senate-replacement_N.htm?csp=34

Teddy is a fighter...a true American patriot.

And it better have "Kennedy" affixed to it somehow.

I was thinking the same thing.

:(

Everything points to that.

you are a true champion of the people to the very end.

:cry:

He cares what happens even after he's gone.

Now that's truly a great American.

How inspiring is that?

When he wasn't able to attend his siter's funeral that was a bad sign of his health.This confirms It.

be the 18th mo. He will not be around much longer. It is sad to say.

there was even a small chance of him coming back to the Senate.

Mass can accomodate his wishes on this vital matter to Senator Kennedy and to our country.

unselfishly step down so a replacement Senator can vote in his place, if the MA legislature changes the law. That just breaks my heart. I don't think I've ever heard of such an unselfish act by a sitting Senator, willing to give up their seat just to ensure a yay vote for health care, for us.

:patriot: :hug:

I hope his vote is respected.

of a truly great man