Prometheus 6

Bill aims to deny appointee Kerry post
By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | June 23, 2004

The state Senate is expected to consider a bill today that would leave Massachusetts without one of its two US senators for at least four months next year while politicians prepare for a special election to replace John F. Kerry if he wins the presidency.

Common Cause, a public interest watchdog group, and Governor Mitt Romney urged lawmakers yesterday to allow Romney to appoint a temporary seat holder to represent Massachusetts until a special election is held, but Democrats in the Legislature rejected the idea because they fear it would give Republicans a political advantage.

"Particularly, in [the] world today, when you are talking about homeland security, we can't afford to not have the ability to immediately appoint a senator, especially in the event of a catastrophe," Romney said in Washington, D.C., where he was testifying on the issue of same-sex marriage.

Pamela Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause, and Secretary of State William F. Galvin, a Democrat and the state's chief election officer, also have called for lawmakers to allow the installation of a temporary senator during the special process. Both had advocated a six-month election process that would allow a wider field of candidates and accommodate federal requirements such as distributing ballots to military personnel.

"I am quite sure I'll be in federal court," said Galvin, who said he anticipated civil suits to force a longer election process. "The rights of voters come ahead of parties and candidates."

In hope of a Kerry victory, Democrats have crafted a bill that calls for a special election within 120 to 145 days after a senator declares he or she is vacating the seat. The Democrats' legislation strips Romney of his authority to name a senator who would serve until the next statewide election in 2006. The bill, scheduled to be taken up today in the Senate, also bars a temporary appointee until voters can choose a replacement.