Move To Rewrite Law On Appointed Senators

The recent appointments of several U.S. senators are prompting a move to amend the Constitution.

The proposed amendment would require a special election anytime a Senate seat is vacant and would prohibit governors from appointing senators.

The House and Senate Judiciary committees hold a joint hearing this week.

Senator Russ Feingold says the recent controversies surrounding gubernatorial appointments to the Senate make clear they are an anachronism that must end.

The election of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden opened up 2 seats in the Senate. The move by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Ken Salazar to the Cabinet opened up two more. All four vacancies were filled by governors.

Most notable is Sen. Roland Burris, who was appointed by now-impeached and ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.