Thread: Oops! Change the Law Back

Double standards to the end for Ted Kennedy. During the presidential election in '04 he wanted to change the existing law / procedure for filling Kerry's possible vacant congressional seat, so that then republican Gov. Romney couldn't fill the position. Instead he wanted a special election to take place. But now that he's sick, he wants the now democractic Gov. Patrick to fill the position ASAP without an election - back to the old way...

Ailing Kennedy Wants Seat Filled Quickly

"A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has written a poignant letter to Massachusetts leaders asking that they change state law to allow a speedy replacement of him in Congress.

"The note has been sent to Gov. Deval Patrick and the state's Senate president and House speaker at a time when Congress is considering an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a life cause of Kennedy's.

"The letter acknowledges the state changed its succession law in 2004 to require a special election within five months to fill any vacancy. At the time, legislative Democrats were concerned then-Republican Gov. Mitt Romney would be able to fill any vacancy created as Democratic Sen. John Kerry ran for president."