Reid eyes Byrd ouster

[babylonsister]

Reid eyes Byrd ouster
By JOHN BRESNAHAN | 10/28/08 4:42 AM EDT


Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is quietly preparing to ease 90-year-old Sen. Robert C. Byrd from his perch as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Democratic insiders tell Politico.

Reid has not yet discussed his plans with Byrd. But in a recent closed-door meeting with his advisers in Las Vegas and a private conversation with Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Reid has laid out a scenario that would have Inouye — the committee’s second-ranking Democrat — taking over Byrd’s chairmanship by the time the 111th Congress convenes in January.

Byrd — the longest-serving senator in U.S. history — would become chairman emeritus, likely retaining coveted office space in the Capitol near the Senate floor. He would also remain Senate president pro tempore, which leaves him third in line to the presidency even though his health now makes even routine public appearances both arduous and awkward.

A number of Democratic senators pushed to have Byrd replaced as chairman earlier this year. Reid intervened on Byrd’s behalf then, but sources close to the majority leader say his own political fortunes are a factor now.

more...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/15013.html

[marmar]

1. Marmar eyes Reid ouster as Senate Majority Leader.....

n/t

[Carolina]

3. I hear ya, Reid should look to ouster Liebermann

Byrd has a special place in my heart for his brilliant speech and stance against IWR back in October of 2002. He showed more wisdom and courage than many of his colleagues.

Stuff it Reid!

[Deep13]

4. Yup. nt

[MiniMe]

2. When can we replace Reid?

[Freddie Stubbs]

5. When you elect Democratic Senators who want to replace him

Have any Senate candidates or sitting Senators even hinted about replacing him?

[KharmaTrain]

6. Sad, But Probably Needed

I've been a long supporter of Senator Byrd...he's a true legend, but also a man whose age is taking its toll. This election is trumpeting a change in many ways...and that will include the need for a strong legislative team come January. Appropriations will be the pipeline needed to spur many of the social programs Senator Obama has proposed and it's a chore that is too rigorous for Senator Byrd...I even have my doubts about Senator Innoyue (who also is up there in years). It's the signs of a changing of the guard coming to the beltway.

Reid's also looking over his shoulder...a lot depends on what happends next week. I get strong indications that a President Obama would love to see his mentor, Senator Dubin in controls in the Senate.

[babylonsister]

9. I think it's sad, too, but chairman emeritus

doesn't sound bad; he'd be around to dish out advice if anyone asked. I'd surely miss his speeches on the floor of the Senate.

[KharmaTrain]

11. I Do As Well...

But lately, Sis, listening to him try to speak has been painful. His Parkinsons is affecting his ability to deliver like he once did and he has to rely on scripts to keep his thoughts on track. It's difficult to watch a person age, no matter how dynamic they once were...or how clear their thoughts can be...but I do see both his vote and his presence as a sign of his true power and that's what matters most.

Cheers...

[rocktivity]

7. From Politico, politics' answer to TMZ

Sounds like a story planted to stir up unhappiness on the Dem home front. I mean, why would Reid NEED to "oust" him?

:headbang:
rocknation

[liberal N proud]

8. Much more worried about Reid than Byrd

Byrd's rants are sometimes fun to watch, if you can stay awake through them

[TygrBright]

10. Inouye?!? INOUYE?????? "'Scuse me, Mister Fox.. Could I ask you to keep an eye on this henhouse?"

Cripes... PLEASE somebody, get a serious,fine-tooth-comb-type ethics investigation going on this guy. We need to be cleanin' our OWN house, too.

Inouye is the LAST man to put in charge of a big fat pot of money. The lobbyists are gonna be on him like flies on week-old hamburger in the dumpster.

Reid is nuts.

A completely ga-ga Byrd would be better as Appropriations Chair than INOUYE!


::shaking head::

Oh, my people....

disgustedly,
Bright

[wvbygod]

12. How about we replace Reid with Byrd?

Robert C. has done more for the downtrodden than Reid could ever hope to even dream about.

[Freddie Stubbs]

13. If he is too old and feeble to continue as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, is it wise

to have him third in line for the Presidency?

[RB TexLa]

15. He's only third in line if you believe the Supreme Court would uphold the laws placing

members of Congress in the line when the constitution says only Officers of the United States can be in the line and that no member of congress can be an Officer of the United States.

[Freddie Stubbs]

16. Do you beleive that the current Supreme Court always upholds the Constitution?

:shrug:

[progressiveforever]

14. Senator Byrd cannot speak publicly right now--I wish him well, but it's time

[Aristus]

17. Senator Byrd is a shining example of the possibilities of redemption and atonement.

He has served with honor and dignity. He has my admiration. :patriot:

[IndianaJones]

18. bravo....get him out. nt.