Robert Urbanek
Platinum Member
The mental capacity of California Senator Dianne Feinstein has clearly been deteriorating but her defenders insist her seniority is vital to advancing the interests of the state.
Even if Democrats win a clear majority in the Senate this Fall, they may face an unpleasant scenario. Feinstein may stubbornly refuse to resign and, as her dementia progresses, may lose her ability to formally resign or cast a vote, thus depriving Democrats of her vote.
The U.S. Constitution gives the Senate the power to expel a member, provided that a two-thirds majority approves the resolution, but Republicans are unlikely to approve the expulsion if Feinstein’s incapacity assures them a practical majority in the Senate.
Even if Democrats win a clear majority in the Senate this Fall, they may face an unpleasant scenario. Feinstein may stubbornly refuse to resign and, as her dementia progresses, may lose her ability to formally resign or cast a vote, thus depriving Democrats of her vote.
The U.S. Constitution gives the Senate the power to expel a member, provided that a two-thirds majority approves the resolution, but Republicans are unlikely to approve the expulsion if Feinstein’s incapacity assures them a practical majority in the Senate.