If Senator Johnson can't serve - two options

[garthranzz]

First, of course, I pray for a swift and complete recovery. And since the surgery was successful, G-d Willing he will recover.

If, however, he cannot serve or resigns for health reasons, I see two possible courses of action to, if not retain control of the Senate, neutralize Cheney and the fascist Bush agenda.

1) Bring enough pressure to bear on the South Dakota governor that he has no choice but to appoint a Democrat to replace Johnson.

2) Make it clear that every vote on every issue will come down to a 50-50 split. Even better, make it clear that if the Republicans rely on Cheney to force a reactionary agenda, appoint sycophantic judges, etc., the Democrats will use Senate rules to insure no business gets conducted - no quorum. Just don't show up.

3) (I know I said only two, but here's some lagniappe): Work a deal with one of the honest, conscience driven Republican senators - there's at least one, surely, and probably more - such that the Republican will abstain on all procedural - i.e., committee assignment, etc. - votes if there is no reasonable accommodation made. Or that the Senator will receive a chairmanship (bipartisanship peeks out of the hell-hole where Bush/Rove consigned it) without having to switch parties.

Of course, options 2 & 3 require guts and conviction.

[ClassWarrior]

1. #1 begs the question... are GOP calls for "bipartisanship"...

...a steaming pile self-serving political rhetoric?

That's the question we need to be floating NOW.

NGU.

[Radio_Lady]

2. Nancy Pelosi on TV; refuses to speculate about anything at this time.

She's a classy lady.

[Radio_Lady]

3. Harry Reid (D-NV) will have a statement scheduled 11:30 AM Eastern Time.

[npincus]

4. I have to say, I'm finding many discussions unseemly at this time

I'm all for freedom of speech,of course. But I think it's unseemly at this critical hour where his condition is uncertain to be discussing political strategy and or next moves. My opinion.

[garthranzz]

5. I tried to separate his personal health and the political realities

with the opening sentence.

When a family member becomes ill, G-d Forbid, as I know from personal experience, part of the anguish is the need to disconnect: the emotional and spiritual side focus only on recovery; the intellectual part of a person must make a realistic assessment of a negative possibility and plan for it.

The two mind-sets are not contradictory, but they are in tension.

[npincus]

6. I know what you are saying

and no intention to attack you at all. It's my own personal view.

[aceman2373]

16. I agree..

[malaise]

7. He will recover and serve n/t

[Individualist]

14. Agreed. Too many are falling for MSM spin.

Recovery is far more likely a matter of when rather than "if". Johnson received immediate medical attention, and it's doubtful surgery was performed by incompetents. MSM is focusing on "critical following surgery" without mentioning the "little" detail that patients who undergo brain surgery are always listed as critical following the procedure. MSM is implying Johnson won't recover and that a replacement will be named. That's absolute BS!!

[ellenfl]

8. again, sd statutes require a special election IF the senator

wants to be replaced.

ellen fl

[Radio_Lady]

9. There are all different readings on this, Ellenfl. I read the Republican governor selects

anyone he wants to serve out the term!

Who are you citing for your opinion?

[ellenfl]

11. here . . .

SDStatutes

ellen fl

[bullimiami]

10. ellen, do you know what the rules for the special election are?

could they delay is until next nov perhaps? or until the next federal election in 2 years?

[ellenfl]

13. they have to call a special election within 90 days . . . assuming

state law prevails.

ellen fl

[bullimiami]

18. good point. 'assuming'

[beth9999]

12. Even better...

... threaten to filibuster EVERY SINGLE piece of legislation, treaty and nomination the Repugs start until we have a Democrat in Johnson's seat.

[AnnInLa]

15. Fox News reporting an issue of "Incapacitation"

DOOCY: That’s right, and you know, in the state of South Dakota, I understand there is the issue of incapacitation. It’s not spelled out in the state law, at the state level. However, the secretary of state of South Dakota says there would be a precedent at the federal level. Is that how you understand it as well Megan?

FOX ANCHOR: Yeah, indeed, there’s a big laundry list that they would have to go through in order to determine that he is incapacitated. It’s something that, ironically enough, might be weighed in on by his advisers. In other words, Sen. Harry Reid, the incoming majority leader, and Chuck Schumer, may advise him on whether he should declare his incapacity, if in fact he’s in a position where he can declare it or not. And so, we’ll have to see what happens in terms of, you know, what exactly his condition is and who’s going to weigh in on whether it should be declared an incapacitation or whether that’s just clear from the facts.

http://thinkprogress.org/2006/12/14/johnson-fox-news/

[MonkeyFunk]

17. I think that's wishful thinking

the Constitution doesn't mention incapacitation of Senators. They leave office prematurely only by resigning, death, or being expelled.

He could lie in a hospital bed for the next two years and still keep his seat.

[karlrschneider]

19. Exactly. I can't figure out why so many people don't grasp that simple fact!

:grr:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

20. South Dakota Sen. Karl Earle Mundt had a stroke in 1969

He retained his office, do to a disagreement between with the Gov as to who would take over for him, and never cast another vote until his seat expired in 1973.