View Story | 72 comments
Comments: Expand Shrink Hide (Always) | Indented Flat (Always)
that MD would hold a special election for a six-month term in a Congress that will likely recess early.
They already held their local office primary (obviously) - it would take two elections - both a primary and a general vote - to put her into office early.
by seanflynn on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 10:55:47 AM PDT
MD doesn't even hold September primaries in presidential election years. They wouldn't hold a primary and special election for what'll probably be a 2 month term.
After all, they're not Texas.
"Our country right or wrong. When right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be put right" - Carl Schurz
by RBH on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 10:56:55 AM PDT
[ Parent ]
A good chunk of the Montgomery County portion of the MD-04 is having a special primary election of April 15th to fill the seat of the County Councilwoman who passed away a couple of months ago. They are then having a special general election on May 13th (http://montgomerycountymd.gov/eletmpl.asp?url=/content/elections/index.asp).
It would be tight, and there are many possible issues including PG county signing on, but maybe it is possible...
by naraht on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 11:01:00 AM PDT
no way they move that promptly or efficiently. It is the government, after all. ;) (ha, sorry to any prompt/efficient government people reading this*)
The only case I remember recently of a special election being held before the date of one's resignation was Largent in Oklahoma when he resigned.
(* - but maybe you're being less prompt if you're working for the government and reading dKos now. Maybe. Kidding)
by RBH on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 11:05:08 AM PDT
just appoint Edwards to serve out the term?
"I'm not a member of any organized political party, ... I'm a Democrat." Will Rodgers
by CCSDem on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 11:54:42 AM PDT
Anybody know what the law is in Maryland?
by Geotpf on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 12:07:39 PM PDT
see MD election law here
Pertinent part of Title 8-710:
(2) If the vacancy occurs during the period beginning 60 days before the regular primary election and ending on the last day of the term, the Governor may: (i) decline to issue a proclamation; and (ii) allow the office to remain vacant for the remainder of the term.
(2) If the vacancy occurs during the period beginning 60 days before the regular primary election and ending on the last day of the term, the Governor may:
(i) decline to issue a proclamation; and
(ii) allow the office to remain vacant for the remainder of the term.
60 days before the regular primary would have been back in Dec 07; I believe the last day of the term is Jan 3 2009; so this vacancy would definitely be "during the period". I don't know how much significance to attach to the "may" language.
If it really does give the gov discretion, he must issue a proclamation within 10 days of the vacancy, announcing a
special primary election shall be held on a Tuesday that is at least 36 days after the date of the proclamation
and a
special general election shall be held on a Tuesday that is at least 36 days after the date of the special primary election
If Wynn bails in June, that would put the special primary some time in July, and the special general into August or later. Doesn't seem likely.
Bush is listening - use big words. (h/t Jeff Y)
by rincewind on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 12:07:40 PM PDT
I ask a question and get an answer in exactly one second. New world record!
Seems to be totally up to the governor if he wants to hold an election or not. If I was gov, I'd let it stay vacant for six months, but that's just me. Seems silly to waste the taxpayer's money on two elections (the primary and the general) just so somebody can serve for four months, at least one of which Congress is out of session anyways.
by Geotpf on Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 12:14:14 PM PDT
wide narrow
View Story | 72 comments