Yesterday, it as reported that Tim Johnson, the Democratic Senator from South Dakota, had a stroke and was hospitalized. Now he is in 'critical but stable' condition, and it appears there is no stroke, but some other ailment with blood in the brain. It is obviously very sad for his family. But the nation as a whole looks on because if he should leave his Senate seat, the replacement will be a Republican, and the control of the Senate will shift back to the Republicans.
A friend emailed me to ask how long it would be before Pat Robertson claimed that God struck down Tim Johnson. My response: was it possibly Polonium 210? I hope Evangelicals go off believing that God is striking down Democrats for them. Why? It makes them less likely to support centrist Republicans, which is the only thing that could save the GOP, which suffered far worse than a stroke in the 2006 elections.
I hope that all good people, of whatever religion, pray for Tim Johnson to recover. Of course, this should be done regardless of party: Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming) is suffering from leukemia and may not last out this term either, and his replacement would be a Democrat. Keep them in your prayers. And if you do not choose to pray, let's all try at least hold them in our thoughts, and express our sympathy and concern for their respective families rather than their respective political parties. That's a good first step to national healing as well.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Tim Johnson
Posted by The Law Talking Guy at 10:04 AM
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4 comments:
I am reminded of this wonderful quote from one of my favorite economists (I found the original courtesy of Wikiquote.)
"The Senate has unlimited debate; in the House, debate is ruthlessly circumscribed. There is frequent discussion as to which technique most effectively frustrates democratic process. However, a more important antidote to American democracy is American gerontocracy. The positions of eminence and authority in Congress are allotted in accordance with length of service, regardless of quality. Superficial observers have long criticized the United States for making a fetish of youth. This is unfair. Uniquely among modern organs of public and private administration, its national legislature rewards senility."
-John Kenneth Galbraith Nov 15, 1971.
Wyoming law requires that the Governor appointment someone from the same party as that holding the office when the vacancy occurs. In fact he must choose from three names selected by, in this case, the Republican central committee.
// posted by Sally
Very interesting, Sally. Is there a cite for this law? Do you know if any other states have the same?
// posted by LTG
Here's the citation: Wyoming Election Code, Title 22, 22-18-111.
"If a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator or in any state office other than the office of justice of the supreme court and the office of district court judge, the governor shall immediately notify in writing the chairman of the state central committee of the political party which the last incumbent represented at the time of his election under W.S. 22 6 120(a)(vii), or at the time of his appointment if not elected to office. The chairman shall call a meeting of the state central committee to be held not later than fifteen (15) days after he receives notice of the vacancy. At the meeting the state central committee shall select and transmit to the governor the names of three (3) persons qualified to fill the vacancy. Within five (5) days after receiving these three (3) names, the governor shall fill the vacancy by temporary appointment of one (1) of the three (3) to hold the office." [a different provision follows for a nonaffiliated officeholder, involving all central committees and public nominations. In no event can the governor simply choose his own nominee].
// posted by LTG
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