New Jersey--- urgent

[tabbycat31]

If you're represented in Trenton by a Democrat, call them today. Currently it stands where the governor is allowed to appoint whoever he/she wants to a Senate vacancy, regardless of the party, and no special election will be held. Senator Frank Lautenberg is 85 years old. Should something happen to him, do we really want Chris Christie to appoint a teabagger type to Lautenberg's seat.

Let your Democratic legislators know that you would like to see the people of New Jersey have a say in a Senate vacancy, not 100% on the governor.

Cross post this everywhere.

[WI_DEM]

1. that's what we get for running all these old codgers. Look at Byrd in WVA

Of course if Corzine won we wouldn't be wanting to change the law.

[tabbycat31]

2. the MA legislature was able to change the law to replace Kennedy

if they can do it so can we.

[bunny planet]

5. We brought Lautenberg out of retirement because Toricelli had to step down

for corruption. We don't have a deep bench here apparently, but we'd better come up with one soon.

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. That was 2002. He ran for reelection in 2008

[bunny planet]

12. yes I know

sorry forgot to mention it. I assumed he ran again instead of re-retiring because there was nobody else ready, willing or able to step up to the plate.

[tabbycat31]

11. Frank Pallone

[ramapo]

3. This is my biggest concern w/Christie's victory

Lautenberg has five years left in his term. Makes me nervous. But to be cynical, what good have the 60 votes in the Democratic caucus done us thus far?

[tabbycat31]

4. I'd still rather see Lautenberg than someone Christie would appoint

I can see him appointing a Lonegan type, and that's the last thing we need.

I agree that the 60 votes has not done much, but Lautenberg's not exactly a blue dog either.

[Pab Sungenis]

6. If Launtenberg knows what's good for the state

He'll resign before January 1st and let Corzine have his seat in the Senate back, or let him put someone else in there.

Before it's too late.

Barring that, yes, we should push through a bill forcing special elections, but let the Governor make an interim appointment for the 180 or whatever days, like MA ended up doing.

[tabbycat31]

8. I'm off for the day but keep this kicked

we want as many as possible to see it

[itsrobert]

9. Let's hope the Governor can't select himselft

Because if he could, he would.

[juno jones]

10. K&R!

Hi Tabbycat, kicking for more exposure. :hi: