Senate selection in Mass

Sometimes political maneuvers end up biting you in the end.

In 2004, since Senator Kerry was soon to be President Kerry (God saved us), and the Governor was a damned Republican (Romney), the Massachusetts legislature changed the method for filling a vacated Senate seat. Previously, as is the case in most states, a vacant seat would be filled by a gubernatorial appointment until the expiration of the term. The change calls for a special election to fill the seat.

Now the possibility of Senator Kennedy resigning or dying leaves the seat somewhat at risk, not much, but the Senator cannot direct his successor. He would like for his wife to have the seat, but she will have to stand for election, elected not selected.

Too smart by half.