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Subscribe to RSSSouth Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) today said she would not fill Sen. Jim DeMint's Senate seat with a temporary "placeholder" appointment.
After Sen. Jim DeMint announced that he is resigning in January, speculation is already flying on who could or will replace the South Carolina lawmaker. Msnbc's Thomas Roberts talks with Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C.
"I believe South Carolina will be best served by a U.S. senator who will work hard day in and day out, and put him or herself before the voters at the soonest possible time," Haley said in a statement. "Accordingly, I reject the option of a 'placeholder.'"
Given that the appointment is set to fill the seat until 2014 -- when a special election takes place -- the governor had the option of selecting someone who would hold the seat through '14, but wouldn't run for the position in the special election.
But she dismissed that option today.
Also, Haley is set to hold a press conference in North Charleston tomorrow at noon ET, but according to NBC's Ali Weinberg, she isn't expected to announce her appointment at the event.
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Why not hold a special election within 6 months? The people of SC should have the right to elect a replacement.
The cost for one thing. And another is that the regular election is held in 2014.
Ben, you mention cost, but would this be any different in that aspect to recall elections that pop up here and there?
I need help; does not the 17th Amendment direct the state to appoint a temporary senator until a special election is held.
17th Amendment
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
Exito: that's exactly what is happening. The state legislature gave the governor the power to fill the vacancy until the next regular federal election.
I say fill it with a person who would do the Republicans in the Senate proud: Stephen Colbert.
Why didn't Demint take his name off the ticket? I'm sure this new position has 'been in the works' for many months... Was he trying to protect a GOP seat? Doesn't make any sense...
Nikki Haley has some credibility issues:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/nikki-haley-vetoes_n_1684942.html
http://www.live5news.com/story/19056190/senate-override-governors-budget-vetos-for-teacher-salaries-arts
Haley is up for re-election in 2014...Say goodbye, Nikki!
Can you say Senator Stephen Colbert?
I was really hoping they had fallen for his schtick and would appoint him as a true conservative.
Nikki is not so dumb ... a tip of the hat.
Looks to me like Nikki wants to run for the seat herself. It's so awkward to run against someone seeking re-election, when you appointed them!
"Haley's Comet" is poltically flying so far out in space? That no one is convinced that she was even born on this Earth! This individual is truely the "Queen Of The Teabeggers."
Now this means one less obstructionist to contend with? Does that also mean that GOP has only 44 senators available for filibuster until 2014? Oh, goody. Harry, change the filibuster rules, want to filibuster go back to the days of running the old yapper instead of going home, while you'r at it get rid of the Hold privilege, up or down votes yeah.
Just goes to show how LEGAL and corruption are entwined in the states below the Mason Dixon line . Demint showed what a real scumbag he is/was.Maybe the organization he is going to will now see what a low life SNEAK he is and fire him immediately.A disgraceful liar isn't much use to a legitimate organization.
Nicki Haley is hot - Too bad she's a republican cause that's a non starter.
Some Republicans just like to pick and choose what amendments they want to follow. Tricky, Nikki.
No doubt she is lining up another Demented for the seat...these silly teabaggers are a bunch of redneck dummies with no clue that when rich peole talk about the 47% they are talking about southern red state kncukleheads
I'm being blocked on this site, as I have a number of times in the past, from expressing a rationale for why strong unions are necessary. NBC News (or a few right wing moles who've managed to infiltrate their blog site) are succeeding in blocking any ideas that they don't like which means we're allowing our right to freedom of speech to be controlled by those on the extreme far right. A Sad and damaging commentary on NBC who are in the process of losing more and more viewers to all their news media.