Edward Kennedy, Senator and Democratic Icon, Dies

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by krsheely

While Ted Kennedy had many of the flaws all americans have

All Americans drown people?

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by Indurain

A great Senator who did a huge amount of good work for America, Ireland ...

He was not hired to do good work for the IRA.

[holden125]

How about all the right-wingers go somewhere other than the Massachusetts board to spew their venom at the passing of a man who represented this Commonwealth for 47 years? Particularly those who are not even from here. If people made similar comments about Jesse Helms when he passed away, that was wrong and should not have been done, but it does not justify doing likewise here.

On a separate issue, I do support reforming the law to allow a temporary appointment. I understand that in 2004 and today it will have been done for partisan reasons, but I do believe that Massachusetts needs and deserves two votes in the Senate. I would propose that they change the law, once and for all, to allow whoever is governor to appoint an interim Senator who (1) is a registered member of the party that the Senator vacating the seat is from, and (2) is prohibited from appearing on the ballot in the special election, be it as the nominee of any party or as an independent. This would avoid giving an appointed Senator an unfair advantage in a special election and would also prevent a governor of the opposing party, whichever party it is, from appointing a Senator who is from his/her own party when the voters elected a Senator from the other party. In my opinion, this is how they should have done it in 2004.

Coakley is pretty much certainly in the race. Capuano and Meehan maybe. I don't think Steve Lynch will win a Democratic primary. I know I would not support him.

BTW, whoever said he wasn't hired to do good work for the IRA hasn't spent a heck of a lot of time in certain circles in eastern Massachusetts.

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by holden125

I would propose that they change the law, once and for all, to allow whoever is governor to appoint an interim Senator who (1) is a registered member of the party that the Senator vacating the seat is from, and (2) is prohibited from appearing on the ballot in the special election, be it as the nominee of any party or as an independent.

You can't deny anyone the right to run for office.

[Lowerdeck]

Has anyone else seen the electronic signs on the highways lately? "Thanks Ted, from the people of Mass."?

I just saw this today twice in Auburn - north on 395 before Route 20, then west on the Turnpike between Exit 10A and 10. Really dunno what to think of it.

[robma44541]

RIP.
Its time for a breath of fresh air in Boston politics, a very strong wind of change to blow out all reminders of the Kennedys.
As for Coakley, Lynch and Meehan as the best choices for Senator, ouch, not much to choose from there?!?!?

[LeavingMA]

I haven't seen many senators or representatives that have been for the Constitution (Ron Paul would be up there). Until I see that, all these politicians are a waste and to claim they have done so much in how many years is debatable. You could argue their government programs have harmed the country more than helped.