CONG POL: Don’t Name That Senator

A state pol argues for reforming the gubernatorial privilege senator replacement.

Sounds like something to talk about on the first day of class.

j oddsen said...: Despite the fact that gubernatorial appointments undoubtedly create a questionable political environment, the same can be said for special elections. Although a special election is undoubtedly more democratic than a gubernatorial appointment, it is most certainly not without its own flaws. Special elections create a financial burden that is not dissimilar from an unfunded mandate from the federal government in that the state in which a special election is taking place must pick up the tab. As was mentioned in class on Monday, a special election creates an environment where candidates have far less time to organize and raise money. Special elections therefore often times produce results that are not far off from that of gubernatorial appointments in that someone from the political establishment will more than likely win because they already have a power base for support and the ability to mobilize a larger number of constituents. One positive that can result from gubernatorial appointments is an opportunity is can be given to somebody to show that they to have the ability to be a Senator which they may not ever have had if gubernatorial appointments did not exist. Perhaps this could prove to be the case in Colorado with the appointment of little-known Michael Bennet to fill Michael Spitzer's vacated Senate seat.; 1/27/2009 3:34 PM
j oddsen said...: Ken Salazar was meant to be said, don't know where Michael Spitzer came from.; 1/27/2009 5:15 PM

CONG POL