Harry Reid, Calls on Patrick to Push for Kennedy Successor - So Much for States Rights - image: MSNBC
Massachusetts’s Governor, Deval Patrickhas requested the Commonwealth’s Legislature put a bill on his desk reversing a bill changed in 2004, which would allow Patrick to appoint Kennedy’s successor – this at the urging of Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. With Kennedy barely cold, the Democratic machine is rushing to change Massachusetts law, in order to consolidate power in Washington. (Patrick is most likely to be replaced by constituents in 2010; in the latest polling, Republican Christi Mihos is besting Patrick, a populist, Mihos has both the money and grassroots support to succeed Patrick in 2010.) The Massachusetts House Speaker (often more powerful than the Governor) has has remained silent on the subject, so it is possible, not probable, that Patrick and Reid will not get a quick bill through the Mass. Legislature.
Meanwhile, speculation is rife over who might fill Kennedy’s seat (This blog has been guilty of the same, prompted by Kennedy's letter to Patrick a week prior to his passing). Over at the Huffington Post, the Presidents favored news source, a tacky poll is running on who’s most likely to take the seat - out of a 10 possible choices – the top five “contestants” are Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Martha Coakley, Edward Kennedy Jr., Michael Dukakis and Ed Markey – not in the contestant line-up 4th District Rep., Barney Frank. One might speculate that the news organization which takes its clues from the White House may already have insight into the choice of the administration. That said the circus-like stunt is stunningly disrespectful of the Kennedy’s; given the fact that the family has not yet buried Edward M. Kennedy. It is one thing to speculate, it is another to turn it into theatre.
The Post may have problems with several of their picks, according to the Associated Press, there is noKennedy available to fill Edward M. Kennedy’s seat, according to the AP. Therefore, it is anyone’s best guess. One would think the administration would want someone who is not only competent but charismatic, and a party leader - someone who would be able to whip those who are not willing to go heel to toe with every bill the Administration desires. Michael Dukakis?
What is most infuriating to a citizen of the Commonwealth is difficult to pinpoint, one the one hand, the Governor taking direction from the Senate Majority Leader regarding Massachusetts State Law is – is not only arrogant but a possible violation of the 10th amendment – governing the rights of states - add insult to injury with that, crass carnival over a the Huffington Post (which is most associated with the administration besides MSNBC and NBC),. Although one might not have agreed with Ted Kennedy’s political ideology – his service to the Commonwealth and his constituents was legendary. He took care to answer each letter or concern, and took care of those who required assistance, regardless of their party affiliation. It is the total lack of respect shown by the members of his own Party, that is, in a word, despicable.
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