Whispers build of change to special election rules
Hillary Chabot
The Boston Herald
11/24/2012
Power-hungry Bay State Democrats — eyeing another potential Senate opening if U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry joins the Obama Cabinet— are quietly discussing reinstating a 2004 law that would let Gov. Deval Patrick appoint a permanent replacement to help keep the seat under party control until at least 2014.
“I think that would be preferable. It would certainly save the taxpayers money if they don’t have to pay for another election,” said Phil Johnston, former chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
“I think people are campaigned out. I think the governor is very popular and most voters would be happy to support his choice until the next general election,” Johnston added.
The current law triggers a special election within 160 days if Kerry accepts a long-anticipated post in President Obama’s Cabinet…
…If lawmakers don’t alter the current law, many expect Patrick to erase a precondition he set in 2009 and allow the temporary appointment to run for the seat in a special election.
Read the complete article at The Boston Herald.
H/T Althouse
