McKeon introduces U.S. Senate vacancy legislation

By Matt Friedman | November 30th, 2009 - 5:22pm
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Assemblyman John McKeon (D-West Orange) today announced legislation meant to keep both U.S. Senate seats in Democratic hands in the event of a vacancy.

McKeon’s measure would give the governor 30 days to appoint someone from the same political party as the senator who, for one reason or another, is unable to complete his or her term.  It would also do away with the governor’s option to call a quick special election.

"This bill would save taxpayers an estimated $10 million in the cost of an unscheduled statewide election and ensure that New Jersey continues to have full representation in Washington," said McKeon. "It also would honor the will of the electorate by requiring that the appointee be from the same political party as the U.S. Senator elected by voters."

The idea has taken on new life now that Chris Christie, a Republican, has been elected governor and 85-year-old U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park), who turns 86 in January, still has five years left of his term. 

Under current law, if there is a vacancy, Christie will be able appoint anybody he wants, regardless of his or her political party.  

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Excuse me, but isn't that a Constitutional issue?

Submitted by Republican Cons... on November 30, 2009 - 6:34pm.

Doesn't the State Constitution provide for the Succession Plan? And if that is the case doesn't it take 2/3 majority to change?

"The difference between a Democracy and a Peoples Democracy is the same as the difference between a jacket and a straight jacket." - Ronald Reagan

 

Don't worry about it

Submitted by JK1150 on November 30, 2009 - 8:52pm.

It's not like we have an economy in shambles or anything. Let's focus on politicking.

Disgrace

Submitted by JoeSchilp on November 30, 2009 - 10:22pm.

This is the same nonsense that Democrats played in Massachusettes when Ted Kennedy died. It's bad enough that they have to have ACORN cheat for them; do they really need to keep changing the rules?

"We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work!"
- FDR's Treasure Secretary, Henry Morgenthau, in 1939, on 8 years of New Deal spending as an attempt to end the Great Depression.

good enough for Wyoming

Submitted by aurora on November 30, 2009 - 11:32pm.

This is how Sen. Barasso got his seat. The Democratic governor was obligated by law to appoint a Republican when the Republican senator died in office a couple of years ago. The idea that Christie should be able to appoint a Republican senator is nonsense -- and against the will of the voters. NJ hasn't elected a Republican senator for more than 30 years.

No similarity

Submitted by Corslime on December 1, 2009 - 1:18am.

"The Democratic governor was obligated by law to appoint a Republican when the Republican senator died in office a couple of years ago."

But the law was in effect for years before Barrasso died and was not introduced just because a Republican won 4 weeks ago.

This is another cynical and disgusting ploy by NJ Democrats.

Do you honestly believe McKeon would have introduced such a bill if Corzine had won.

Interesting

Submitted by Republican Cons... on December 1, 2009 - 7:31am.

Democrats really care about saving the tax payers money? That anal orifice can actually make that statement?

I wonder how Frank feels watching Don Corzine and the Family planning his funeral while he is in the room.

"The difference between a Democracy and a Peoples Democracy is the same as the difference between a jacket and a straight jacket." - Ronald Reagan

 

West Orange

Submitted by gorednj on December 1, 2009 - 8:32am.

This double dipper, should worry more about the sky high taxes in his town, then kissing his party leaders butts with this worthless partisan legislation.

go figure!

Submitted by surferboy23 on December 1, 2009 - 8:58am.

I guess McKeon didn't get the message people of NJ want change and a government that's for the people, why not appoint the most qualified, not some political hack. Mr. McKoen you want to do something for the people introduce term limits now thats responsible government. I tell you what comes out of Trenton is just crazy.

not surprised

Submitted by SkepticNJ on December 1, 2009 - 12:31pm.

I am not surprised that Democrats such as McKeon are pushing their agenda now because they know that gov-elect Christie will veto anything that allows the Democrats to maintain their hegemony over New Jersey.

thanks aloooooooot nice site

Submitted by Sultan4seo on January 29, 2010 - 7:20am.

thanks aloooooooot nice site

:p

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