Three senator-elects, Mark Kirk (R-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Manchin (D-WV), were also running in special elections that will allow them to serve in the lame duck session of the Senate--they will replace appointed senators. The latter two, the Democrats, will be seated next week. The lame duck session begins on November 15. Kirk, because of some arcane Illinois State Board of Election rules, won't be sworn in until November 29. Democrats control all levels of Illinois government.
The Washington Examiner suggests that the Senate Republicans filibuster every vote until Kirk is seated. I agree.
Presently Roland Burris, a Rod Blagojevich appointee, occupies that seat.
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Roland Burris
How can they seat Mark Kirk before November 16? Technically, all the votes will not be counted until then.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for Mark Kirk. I just question how you can certify an election before all the votes are counted.