Originally Posted By ecdc <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/stevens.jurors/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITI...dex.html</a> Yet another blow to Republican chances at keeping Democrats from getting to the magic 60. Still a long shot for Democrats, but Republicans didn't need this.
Originally Posted By Mr X Oops. Can he still vote on Senate issues from his cell? What's the procedure there? One thing someone somewhere pointed out on that "magic 60" deal is that it's not 60 Democrats, but rather 60 VOTES. So it's good to keep in mind that it's not THAT big a deal even if the Democrats don't manage to take all 60 seats, so long as there are just a few moderate Republicans like Joe Lieberman who will climb onboard.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder It's esrly right now and I forget the procedure, it's more than a censure, but the Senate would have to act to take his vote away, otherwise he can still vote.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder Now that a full cup of coffee has set in-the Senate Ethics Commmittee would have to recommend Stevens be removed, and then the full Senate votes on it. If he gets removed, Sarah Palin, of all people, picks his replacement, seeing as how she's Governor of Alaska. Maybe she picks herself and then can learn what the Senate really does.
Originally Posted By Mr X lol. Since were on the subject, a Japanese friend was asking me today (lord knows how this came up but anyway...) if it's possible to unseat a Supreme Court Justice, and if so how is it done? I assume they'd have to do something pretty bad for that to come up, but I also assume there is SOME mechanism for such an event?
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Since were on the subject, a Japanese friend was asking me today (lord knows how this came up but anyway...) if it's possible to unseat a Supreme Court Justice, and if so how is it done? I assume they'd have to do something pretty bad for that to come up, but I also assume there is SOME mechanism for such an event? >>> Same as for removing the President: impeachment. Other than that, federal judges, supreme or otherwise, serve for life.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< If he gets removed, Sarah Palin, of all people, picks his replacement, seeing as how she's Governor of Alaska. Maybe she picks herself and then can learn what the Senate really does. >>> A lot depends on the results of the Nov 4 election, considering that Stevens is up for re-election. If he loses, the Senate may just leave the matter alone and let him finish out his term until the end of the year. If he wins, then I think that the Senate would be forced to consider removing him from office, and in the event that happened, then Palin would be in a position to appoint a replacement for essentially a full 6-year term. Palin could indeed appoint herself. Hey, maybe by 2012, she might actually have some experience on national matters!
Originally Posted By gadzuux I could be wrong, but the way I understand it, he can continue his campaign for next week's election, but as a convicted felon, he cannot vote in the election. For now, he can continue to vote in the senate, but he's been stripped of all of his titles and positions on committees. His election is currently close, but hopefully this should tip the election in favor of his democratic opponent. Also, isn't Steven's in his mid-eighties? Time to hang up the mukluks, Ted - you've not only soiled your entire career, but as only the fifth US senator to be convicted of felonies in office, you've brought disrepute on the entire senate body.
Originally Posted By mawnck Palin threw him under the bus this morning. I wonder who she's going to vote for?
