Comments on: Senator Stricken With Undiagnosed Illness

Senate Balance Of Power Could Shift If Tim Johnson, Democrat, Can't Return To Work

[shortestfuse]

I'm sure that all those that say a democRAT should be appointed because it is "the right thing to do" felt that it was totally wrong for Lincoln Chafee to change the balance of power in the Senate by jumping parties after he was elected. HA!

[polyoutsider]

How does a shift to 50/50 affect committee assignments.

[random_radar]

nolalou,

While I can understand your opinion, there is another way to look at it.

The voters elected a Republican governnor. If they wanted someone who would appoint a Democratic replacement, they would have elected a Democrat.

In my opinion, I would respect the will of the people and accept whoever the duly elected governor appoints.

[jonw1115]

Is it possible to have a special election in this case. I don't think that the decision should be left to one man no matter the circumstances. In all fairness both parties should have a candidate as Johnson may not have been elected purely because of his party affiliation, but because of his stances on certain issues. I am sure he had Republicans that voted for him so it is only fair to run an election that will give everyone a chance to have a say in who replaces him.

[agnim]

It would be a joke for a sole governor of one state to be able to change the balance in the US Congress by himself alone.

The meaningful thing to do is to replace a senator according to the party affiliation of the departed one, until the PEOPLE can again decide on THEIR senator.

[fascistusa]

Does anyone REALLY think Lord Bush would allow for a Power Shift?

Killing a couple of Senators is one way to give full control back to the Republinazis.

We keep getting closer and closer to Civil War...

[munseym1]

I thought it was a shame when the People elected a Republican majority in the Senate 2001-2003, but the will of the people was not upheld...

[nolalou]

I'm not farmiliar with Senator Johnson, but I hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

If for health reasons, he can no longer serve, it would be a shame to have the majority in the sentate be decided this way. While I wouln't count on it, in my opintion , the right thing to do would be for the governor of South Dakota to respect the will of the voters in his state, and appoint another democrat.