U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy ready to step down immeadiately,

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Ailing Ted Kennedy asks for speedy replacement process

In a stunning admission of his frailty, an ailing U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is asking the governor and legislative leaders to rewrite state law to allow for a temporary gubernatorial appointment to his seat.

Kennedy’s request comes in the midst of the heated national debate over health care, which has been the senior senator’s focus in Congress for decades. He does not address his battle with brain cancer in a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick and state leaders, but Kennedy does signal his struggle could be nearing an end.

“I am now writing to you about an issue that concerns me deeply - the continuity of representation for Massachusetts should a Senate vacancy occur,” Kennedy wrote in July 2 letter to Patrick, state Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo.

In the letter, Kennedy asks that legislation be passed to change a law adopted in 2004 to provide for a special election to choose a new U.S. Senator in the event of a vacancy.

The law was pushed through during the 2004 presidential election because state lawmakers wanted to prevent then-Gov. Mitt Romney from appointing a successor for U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry, who was the Democratic presidential nominee.

Click here to see a copy of Sen. Kennedy’s letter.

Under the 2004 law, a special election is mandated within 145 to 160 days after the Senate seat becomes vacant.

“I strongly support that law and the principle that the people should elect their Senator,” Kennedy wrote. “I also believe it is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election.”

Kennedy also asks that the interim post be filled by someone who makes “an explicit personal commitment” not to run in the special election for the vacant seat.

Kennedy, 77, makes no mention of his medical condition. Last week, he skipped funeral services for his older sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, but did attend a private family wake in her honor.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008. He was initially treated with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But despite his battle with cancer, Kennedy has attempted to keep working.

"For almost 47 years, I have had the privilege of representing the people of Massachusetts in the United States Senate," Kennedy wrote in his letter. He added that serving in the Senate "has been — and still is — the greatest honor of my public life."

Despite speculation that Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, is interested in the seat, family aides have said she is not interested in replacing her husband either temporarily or permanently. One of Kennedy’s nephews, former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, has also been described as interested, along with a number of the state’s remaining congressional members and local lawmakers.

Amid similar speculation about a Senate vacancy last fall, when Kerry was under consideration for secretary of state, Murray was adamant that the law not be changed. After recent inquiries from The Associated Press, aides to both Murray and DeLeo said they are unlikely to back any change.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politi...&position=2

[My Name Is Nobody 3]

They will need every vote they can get in the senate for the healthcare bill

Its sad but this is what its all about.

[zqt3344 21]

Good riddance! This guy is a disgusting idiot pig, he killed that woman riding in his car while he was drunk and then he had his family cover it up, just a killer, how people forget the history of this guy so soon! He has been living a charmed life anyway, should have been in prison all these years instead of US Senate stealing the taxpayers blind!

Ailing Ted Kennedy asks for speedy replacement process

In a stunning admission of his frailty, an ailing U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is asking the governor and legislative leaders to rewrite state law to allow for a temporary gubernatorial appointment to his seat.

Kennedy’s request comes in the midst of the heated national debate over health care, which has been the senior senator’s focus in Congress for decades. He does not address his battle with brain cancer in a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick and state leaders, but Kennedy does signal his struggle could be nearing an end.

“I am now writing to you about an issue that concerns me deeply - the continuity of representation for Massachusetts should a Senate vacancy occur,” Kennedy wrote in July 2 letter to Patrick, state Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo.

In the letter, Kennedy asks that legislation be passed to change a law adopted in 2004 to provide for a special election to choose a new U.S. Senator in the event of a vacancy.

The law was pushed through during the 2004 presidential election because state lawmakers wanted to prevent then-Gov. Mitt Romney from appointing a successor for U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry, who was the Democratic presidential nominee.

Click here to see a copy of Sen. Kennedy’s letter.

Under the 2004 law, a special election is mandated within 145 to 160 days after the Senate seat becomes vacant.

“I strongly support that law and the principle that the people should elect their Senator,” Kennedy wrote. “I also believe it is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election.”

Kennedy also asks that the interim post be filled by someone who makes “an explicit personal commitment” not to run in the special election for the vacant seat.

Kennedy, 77, makes no mention of his medical condition. Last week, he skipped funeral services for his older sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, but did attend a private family wake in her honor.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008. He was initially treated with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But despite his battle with cancer, Kennedy has attempted to keep working.

"For almost 47 years, I have had the privilege of representing the people of Massachusetts in the United States Senate," Kennedy wrote in his letter. He added that serving in the Senate "has been — and still is — the greatest honor of my public life."

Despite speculation that Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, is interested in the seat, family aides have said she is not interested in replacing her husband either temporarily or permanently. One of Kennedy’s nephews, former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, has also been described as interested, along with a number of the state’s remaining congressional members and local lawmakers.

Amid similar speculation about a Senate vacancy last fall, when Kerry was under consideration for secretary of state, Murray was adamant that the law not be changed. After recent inquiries from The Associated Press, aides to both Murray and DeLeo said they are unlikely to back any change.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politi...&position=2

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Good riddance! This guy is a disgusting idiot pig, he killed that woman riding in his car while he was drunk and then he had his family cover it up, just a killer, how people forget the history of this guy so soon! He has been living a charmed life anyway, should have been in prison all these years instead of US Senate stealing the taxpayers blind!

Ailing Ted Kennedy asks for speedy replacement process

In a stunning admission of his frailty, an ailing U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is asking the governor and legislative leaders to rewrite state law to allow for a temporary gubernatorial appointment to his seat.

Kennedy’s request comes in the midst of the heated national debate over health care, which has been the senior senator’s focus in Congress for decades. He does not address his battle with brain cancer in a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick and state leaders, but Kennedy does signal his struggle could be nearing an end.

“I am now writing to you about an issue that concerns me deeply - the continuity of representation for Massachusetts should a Senate vacancy occur,” Kennedy wrote in July 2 letter to Patrick, state Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo.

In the letter, Kennedy asks that legislation be passed to change a law adopted in 2004 to provide for a special election to choose a new U.S. Senator in the event of a vacancy.

The law was pushed through during the 2004 presidential election because state lawmakers wanted to prevent then-Gov. Mitt Romney from appointing a successor for U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry, who was the Democratic presidential nominee.

Click here to see a copy of Sen. Kennedy’s letter.

Under the 2004 law, a special election is mandated within 145 to 160 days after the Senate seat becomes vacant.

“I strongly support that law and the principle that the people should elect their Senator,” Kennedy wrote. “I also believe it is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election.”

Kennedy also asks that the interim post be filled by someone who makes “an explicit personal commitment” not to run in the special election for the vacant seat.

Kennedy, 77, makes no mention of his medical condition. Last week, he skipped funeral services for his older sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, but did attend a private family wake in her honor.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008. He was initially treated with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But despite his battle with cancer, Kennedy has attempted to keep working.

"For almost 47 years, I have had the privilege of representing the people of Massachusetts in the United States Senate," Kennedy wrote in his letter. He added that serving in the Senate "has been — and still is — the greatest honor of my public life."

Despite speculation that Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, is interested in the seat, family aides have said she is not interested in replacing her husband either temporarily or permanently. One of Kennedy’s nephews, former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, has also been described as interested, along with a number of the state’s remaining congressional members and local lawmakers.

Amid similar speculation about a Senate vacancy last fall, when Kerry was under consideration for secretary of state, Murray was adamant that the law not be changed. After recent inquiries from The Associated Press, aides to both Murray and DeLeo said they are unlikely to back any change.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politi...&position=2

Ignorant post.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I heard about this on NPR this morning -- thought it not such a bad idea, but wonder what other people think. Idiots abstain.

[Peikko 1,575]

They will need every vote they can get in the senate for the healthcare bill

Its sad but this is what its all about.

Of course it is, and I wasn't aware that he denied that either. Whether that should be taken into consideration is a constitutional matter. My opinion is that you can't change laws just because they don't suit you at the time, regardless of who wants to do the changing and why.

[Minya's wife 25]

Good riddance! This guy is a disgusting idiot pig, he killed that woman riding in his car while he was drunk and then he had his family cover it up, just a killer, how people forget the history of this guy so soon! He has been living a charmed life anyway, should have been in prison all these years instead of US Senate stealing the taxpayers blind!

Well, so should Tom DeLay...instead he's Dancing with the Stars!

[My Name Is Nobody 3]

They will need every vote they can get in the senate for the healthcare bill

Its sad but this is what its all about.

Of course it is, and I wasn't aware that he denied that either. Whether that should be taken into consideration is a constitutional matter. My opinion is that you can't change laws just because they don't suit you at the time, regardless of who wants to do the changing and why.

Everyone with a brain knows why but he wont say it. This is wrong on so many fronts

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Good riddance! This guy is a disgusting idiot pig, he killed that woman riding in his car while he was drunk and then he had his family cover it up, just a killer, how people forget the history of this guy so soon! He has been living a charmed life anyway, should have been in prison all these years instead of US Senate stealing the taxpayers blind!

Well, so should Tom DeLay...instead he's Dancing with the Stars!

[My Name Is Nobody 3]

Good riddance! This guy is a disgusting idiot pig, he killed that woman riding in his car while he was drunk and then he had his family cover it up, just a killer, how people forget the history of this guy so soon! He has been living a charmed life anyway, should have been in prison all these years instead of US Senate stealing the taxpayers blind!

Well, so should Tom DeLay...instead he's Dancing with the Stars!

No, Tom Delay can dance EK cant

[HAL 9000 96]

I think the law is fine. Special election = better than an appointment.

[natty bumppo 297]

I think the law is fine. Special election = better than an appointment.

why do you hate kennedy?

[HAL 9000 96]

[zqt3344 21]

About as ignorant as the Kennedy's covering up the murder of that poor woman that drowned that night! I can see you cannot handle the truth.

Good riddance! This guy is a disgusting idiot pig, he killed that woman riding in his car while he was drunk and then he had his family cover it up, just a killer, how people forget the history of this guy so soon! He has been living a charmed life anyway, should have been in prison all these years instead of US Senate stealing the taxpayers blind!

Ailing Ted Kennedy asks for speedy replacement process

In a stunning admission of his frailty, an ailing U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is asking the governor and legislative leaders to rewrite state law to allow for a temporary gubernatorial appointment to his seat.

Kennedy’s request comes in the midst of the heated national debate over health care, which has been the senior senator’s focus in Congress for decades. He does not address his battle with brain cancer in a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick and state leaders, but Kennedy does signal his struggle could be nearing an end.

“I am now writing to you about an issue that concerns me deeply - the continuity of representation for Massachusetts should a Senate vacancy occur,” Kennedy wrote in July 2 letter to Patrick, state Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo.

In the letter, Kennedy asks that legislation be passed to change a law adopted in 2004 to provide for a special election to choose a new U.S. Senator in the event of a vacancy.

The law was pushed through during the 2004 presidential election because state lawmakers wanted to prevent then-Gov. Mitt Romney from appointing a successor for U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry, who was the Democratic presidential nominee.

Click here to see a copy of Sen. Kennedy’s letter.

Under the 2004 law, a special election is mandated within 145 to 160 days after the Senate seat becomes vacant.

“I strongly support that law and the principle that the people should elect their Senator,” Kennedy wrote. “I also believe it is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election.”

Kennedy also asks that the interim post be filled by someone who makes “an explicit personal commitment” not to run in the special election for the vacant seat.

Kennedy, 77, makes no mention of his medical condition. Last week, he skipped funeral services for his older sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, but did attend a private family wake in her honor.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008. He was initially treated with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But despite his battle with cancer, Kennedy has attempted to keep working.

"For almost 47 years, I have had the privilege of representing the people of Massachusetts in the United States Senate," Kennedy wrote in his letter. He added that serving in the Senate "has been — and still is — the greatest honor of my public life."

Despite speculation that Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, is interested in the seat, family aides have said she is not interested in replacing her husband either temporarily or permanently. One of Kennedy’s nephews, former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, has also been described as interested, along with a number of the state’s remaining congressional members and local lawmakers.

Amid similar speculation about a Senate vacancy last fall, when Kerry was under consideration for secretary of state, Murray was adamant that the law not be changed. After recent inquiries from The Associated Press, aides to both Murray and DeLeo said they are unlikely to back any change.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politi...&position=2

Ignorant post.

[HAL 9000 96]

Yeah so what's the consensus... special election or we just ask them in Mass to appoint Consolemaster to the US Senate?