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Judge Rules In Favor Of Kirk Senate Appointment, Against Massachusetts GOP Challenge
Eric Kleefeld | September 25, 2009, 12:57PM
Sen.-designate Paul Kirk (D-MA)
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A judge in Massachusetts has just ruled against the state GOP's effort to stop the appointment of Democratic Sen.-designate Paul Kirk to Ted Kennedy's Senate seat.
From the Boston Globe: "Judge Thomas Connolly deliberated for more than four hours before dismissing the GOP's claim that Democratic Governor Deval Patrick overstepped his authority by declaring an emergency so Kirk's appointment could be made immediately."
Kirk is set to be sworn in this afternoon.
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AnswerFrog
September 25, 2009 1:02 PM
Wonderful!
The obstructionist litigious GOP get b-slapped.
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Schmed
September 25, 2009 1:03 PM
The video of the arguments this morning were a big hint ("so, if I rule against you, the [irreparable] harm would be that the people of Massachusetts would be represented by 2 senators?!").
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BronxInTN
September 25, 2009 1:25 PM in reply to Schmed
Actually, the Republicans in MA do have a point. If having a second Democratic senator proves to be the crucial vote in getting Health Care Reform passed in the next 6 weeks, then the harm to the Republican party will indeed be irreparable. Unfortunately, the kind of honesty wouldn't make for a 4 hour hearing.
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Schmed
September 25, 2009 1:59 PM in reply to BronxInTN
Actually, that harm occurred when W. was elected. See November 4, 2008 for confirmation.
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jongold
September 25, 2009 2:18 PM in reply to BronxInTN
That is not the kind of "irreparable harm" that can be considered by the court. The harm has to be some unfairness to the GOP in Massachusetts that prohibits them from having a level playing field in elections in that state. I would surmise the judge believes the special election to be held at the beginning of next year removes any unfairness to the GOP particularly as Kirk has promised not to run since he would have an advantage at that point.
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chicagobama
September 25, 2009 4:29 PM in reply to BronxInTN
The people of Massachusetts had two Democratic senators before Sen. Kennedy died, so they are not harmed by having two Democratic senators now. The Republican Party has no standing in this case, despite their attempt to stand in for the people of MA.
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Walter Mitty
September 25, 2009 1:05 PM
Crud. I guess I have to eat a bug now. Any suggestions? Do potato bugs taste like potatoes?
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Walter Mitty
September 25, 2009 1:06 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Though I'll wait until Kirk is sworn in, as I'd expect an appeal or two yet.
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Schmed
September 25, 2009 1:15 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
I hear that ants are tasty, if somewhat piquant. Happy eatin'!
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
September 25, 2009 2:31 PM in reply to Schmed
"Survivorman" says locusts (or grasshoppers if they're not gettin' all crazy) are surprisingly tasty, too.
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mans_best_friend
September 25, 2009 2:19 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
They do if you put enough sour cream and chives on them.
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Neal Deesit
September 25, 2009 4:00 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Stay away from dung beetles; they taste like sh*t!
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gharlane
September 25, 2009 9:02 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Some species of locust and grasshopper are kosher. Just in case you're concerned.
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mike from Arlington
September 25, 2009 1:07 PM
yahoo
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_jonny_5_
September 25, 2009 1:08 PM
It's too bad teh Minnisota courts didn't move this quick...
Bravo.
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Frog Leg
September 25, 2009 1:08 PM
Here's a link.
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neesy08
September 25, 2009 1:14 PM
I'm not surprised. I said so last night the GOP would loose. It's just a stall tactic on their parts
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kevbo
September 25, 2009 1:29 PM
Normally I let it go, but I swear it is about the 5000th time I've seen it this week. Please:
loose = not tight
lose = not win
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_jonny_5_
September 25, 2009 1:43 PM in reply to kevbo
Thats not too bad, perhaps a sticky keyboard. Personnally I can't stop typing "teh" for "the"
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Kuyleh
September 25, 2009 1:33 PM
Awesome!
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Clavis
September 25, 2009 2:05 PM
This will give Paul Kirk an even stronger position from whence to secretly co-direct the next Presidential Debates...
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Middle Road
September 25, 2009 2:14 PM in reply to Clavis
whence already means from where, so you didn't need a from before it. But I strongly agree with you on the point you were making. :)
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obamaman
September 25, 2009 2:13 PM
Told you they'd be rejected. The onus is now on Reid to hold the caucus together on cloture, and let any suicidal Dems vote against healthcare if they so choose.
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_jonny_5_
September 25, 2009 2:32 PM in reply to obamaman
Way to rain on the parade by bringing up Reid...
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obamaman
September 25, 2009 2:38 PM in reply to _jonny_5_
no point in having a parade over something that was a foregone conclusion. Only if real healthcare reform is passed.
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