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I just don’t get Blago. He seems to exist in a fantasy world. Must be nice.
Comment by Matthew — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 1:10 pm
So is his power here unilateral? For some reason, I just assumed that the states that allow a governor to “appoint” an interim Senator actually had a confirmation process (like federal cabinet and court appointments). I recall (though I suppose I could recall incorrectly) that when Sen. Pete Wilson was elected Governor of California, the state legislature confirmed Wilson’s replacement.
But none of the coverage that I have seen of the sudden surge of vacant Senate seats (have we ever had so many at once?) has mentioned confirmation.
I can’t understand why any state would let its Senate representation be determined by a unilateral executive act (regardless of the political or legal standing of its incumbent governor at the time). For that matter, I can’t understand why the constitutional amendment that took the selection of Senators out of the hands of state legislatures did not leave it there for the case of interim replacements.
–a different Matthew
Comment by MSS — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 2:25 pm
My understanding is that the amendment in question left the process open to the states and is defined by statute.
If I recall properly, there was no confirmation process in Texas when Ann Richards appointed Lloyd Bentsen’s replacement, and I am fairly certain that the power is unilateral in many (most?) states.
It is my clear impression that this is the case in Illinois.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 2:33 pm
I am so angry at Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
His action today insults, not only the people Illinois but, the entire nation.
Mr. Burris is a most admired and capable public servant, yet Mr. Blagojevich chose to compromise the potential benefit of Mr. Burris serving as Senator to serve his egocentric goals.
I am also ashamed by the behavior of Mr. Blagojevich.
If Mr. Blagojevich truly wants to serve to people of Illinois and if he is truly innocent, he will step aside now.
Comment by MWR — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 3:05 pm
P.S.
Gov. get an adult hair-cut.
Comment by MWR — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 3:10 pm
Shug, There is no State Senate approval of the Governor’s choice in Illinois. The process is enshrined in the 1970 Constitution.
The Illinois Secretary of State, however, has said he won’t process the paperwork, or certify, Blago’s appointment. I’m not sure about the legality of this move.
It is amazing that Burris is going along with this–although maybe the fact that he’s donated thousands of dollars to the governor and received state contracts in the past might have something to do with it.
Comment by Ratoe — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 3:16 pm
[...] This partially answers a question asked here. [...]
Pingback by PoliBlog: A Rough Draft of my Thoughts » Burris Appointment Video — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 3:40 pm
[...] This partially answers a question asked here. [...]
Pingback by PoliBlog: A Rough Draft of my Thoughts » Burris Appointment Video — Tuesday, December 30, 2024 @ 3:40 pm