governors losing powers

[DKSuddeth]

alaskas new law

JUNEAU, Alaska - A bill to prevent Alaska governors from making any more long-term appointments to the U.S. Senate became law over the weekend, without Gov. Frank Murkowski's signature.

The law passed after Murkowski appointed his daughter, then state Rep. Lisa Murkowski, to fill his Senate seat following his election as governor in 2002. The appointment led to cries of nepotism from some Alaskans.

The new law calls for a special election to be held 60 to 90 days after a Senate vacancy occurs. Previously, the governor could appoint a new senator if less than 2 1/2 years remained in the departing lawmaker's term.

The new law still allows the governor to appoint a replacement, but the replacement would serve only until the special election could be held.

The governor's spokesman, John Manly, said Murkowski did not say why he did not sign the bill. "I'm not aware of any position we took on it," Manly said.

The governor has 20 days to sign or veto a bill once it reaches his desk. If he takes no action, the bill becomes law without his signature.

Legislators passed the law earlier this year after it became clear that a measure to do about the same thing had gathered enough signatures to go on the November ballot.

Sen. Murkowski faces three Republican challengers in the August primary. If she wins, she will run against Democratic former Gov. Tony Knowles in November.

 

[tpahl]

This sounds like a continuation of the horrible trend of increased democracy at the expense of our republic. The 17th amendment is quite possibly the worst thing we have done as a nation since our founding fathers established the country.

Amendment XVII

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, that the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

 

[5stringJeff]

I honestly don't see what the problem is with this law. However, I think it would be ridiculous if, say, a Senator resigned or died 100 days before a general election. Would there be a special election and then a general election 10 days later?