http://donstorch.com/2008/12/21/vacancies-in-elected-offices-should-be-filled-by-special-election-not-appointments/ Columns/Opinion/Satire Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:28:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://donstorch.com/2008/12/21/vacancies-in-elected-offices-should-be-filled-by-special-election-not-appointments/comment-page-1/#comment-3585 norman Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:10:04 +0000 http://donstorch.com/?p=2148#comment-3585 I agree that the people of a state should choose their senators in a special election. I believe that the 17th Amendment to the constitution contains the provision that the executives (governors) of the states are empowered to make temporary appointments to fill Senate vacancies. The appointments expire with the next general election. This seems to be an outmoded provision that originated prior to the popular election of senators. There may be a very few states that have some minor restrictions. Will Congress do anything to revert to special elections to fill these vacancies? Politics being what it is and power and influence involved I doubt it. I agree that the people of a state should choose their senators in a special election. I believe that the 17th Amendment to the constitution contains the provision that the executives (governors) of the states are empowered to make temporary appointments to fill Senate vacancies. The appointments expire with the next general election. This seems to be an outmoded provision that originated prior to the popular election of senators. There may be a very few states that have some minor restrictions.
Will Congress do anything to revert to special elections to fill these vacancies? Politics being what it is and power and influence involved I doubt it.

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