The Republican majority in Kentucky’s legislature has approved a bill that would take away the Democratic governor’s power to appoint a replacement for U.S. Senate seats in the event of a vacancy. This decision comes amidst discussions on the political future of the state’s U.S. Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, who is currently 82 years old.
A special election would be required to fill the seat, according to the bill, allowing the people of Kentucky to directly decide on the new senator. The winner of the special election would complete the remaining term.
“So it would be a direct voice of the people determining how the vacancy is filled,” said Republican Senate President Robert Stivers. The measure has passed with a strong majority and now awaits Governor Andy Beshear’s action. Beshear has criticized the bill as partisan, yet the legislature may have enough support to override any potential veto.
House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, a Republican and sponsor of the bill, insists this move is not about McConnell, but rather aligns with his consistent stance on how Senate vacancies should be managed. Rudy acknowledges McConnell as a significant figure in Kentucky’s Republican Party.
Rudy has been considering changes to the appointment process for over a decade, inspired by the scandal involving former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Currently, both of Kentucky’s U.S. senators are Republicans, and a prior law already limits the governor’s choices to a list provided by party leaders.
Mitch McConnell, in a recent speech, hinted at maintaining his Senate position but did not directly address his re-election plans. Despite health concerns, McConnell’s team states that his resignation from his Senate leadership role is not health-related. The bill includes an emergency provision and would become effective immediately if signed into law.
FAQ Section:
- What is the main provision of the Kentucky bill addressing U.S. Senate vacancies?
It requires a special election to fill any vacancy, removing the Democratic governor’s authority to appoint a replacement. - Can the governor veto this bill?
Yes, Governor Andy Beshear can veto the bill, but the Republican supermajority in the legislature has the power to override it. - Does the bill target Senator Mitch McConnell?
While some speculate that the bill is related to McConnell, the sponsor, Steven Rudy, claims it reflects a long-term policy position on filling Senate vacancies and is not directly related to McConnell. - What prompted Rudy to pursue this change?
Rudy has been interested in changing the Senate vacancy appointment process for over a decade due to concerns raised by the scandal of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. - When could the new law take effect?
If enacted, the law would go into effect immediately due to an emergency clause contained within the bill.
Conclusion:
The Kentucky legislature’s move to place the power of Senate appointments directly in the hands of the electorate reflects a shift in the political landscape of the state. It underscores the ongoing partisan dynamics and Kentucky Republicans’ intent to maintain influence over such pivotal decisions. With the potential for the bill to become law, Kentucky could see a new process for selecting U.S. Senators in the case of a vacancy, bypassing gubernatorial prerogative and favoring direct democratic participation through special elections.