Submitted by ChickenGreaseLips t3_114u10y in Pennsylvania
What is the process in PA for replacing a senator if John Fetterman becomes unable to perform?
I keep hearing these quips about his wife taking over the job, but can’t tell if this is fear tactics from right wingers?
I think the whole country needs a refresher course.
More than a refresher.
Refresher implies they knew fucking anything to begin with…
This is why they want to get rid of the department of education
The entire country needs a civics lesson lol.
This is the way.
I always feel a compulsion to respond with And also with you when I see someone do this quote… not even really sure why. thanks catholic school
And also with your spirit ***
I was Catholic growing up but now am only ever at a Mass for weddings and funerals. Those changes trip me up every time.
Grew up episcopal and we said that.
I was raised Roman Catholic and same. We we’re also told y’all were the cooler version of Catholics if memory serves right
My ex-husband grew up Episcopal. He thought they were way classier than Catholics. Didn’t like the Catholic Church.
Can’t blame him. I’m not a fan either
Aren't episcoals basically just Catholics without the Pope?
*deep breath* Okay, so this is complicated, but the short answer is... in some ways, yes, in other ways, no. They have some theological differences, and organizational differences, but they're quite similar in other ways.
(And technically they recognize the pope as a fellow bishop (the Bishop of Rome), and as the leader of the Roman church, but NOT as the leader of the Episcopal church/Church of England. See Primus Inter Pares.)
(And if you really wanna break your brain, hardcore technically Episcopals are both Catholics AND Protestants. When you say "Catholic" you're probably referring to "Roman Catholic" but there's more than just the Roman church and the word "Catholic" (with a capital C) has a specific meaning and encompasses a number of different churches.)
My comment was an oversimplification, I'm aware. Since the comment was that they use the same phrase, I was intending to point out that they are theologically very similar, and not surprising they would also use the phrase "and also with you."
Sorry, this is just one of my favorite subjects.
Yeah we call it Catholicism without the guilt.
I'd blame public schools but I don't know that the private ones are any better...
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The entire fucking country needs a Civics lesson.
I agree!
There is a weird historical parallel to Woodrow Wilson who some believe his wife ran the show from behind closed doors for a bit while he was sick.
But if fetterman steps down, Shapiro can appoint whomever he wishes and that person will serve until a new election is held and he will choose an established politician.
>Shapiro can appoint whomever he wishes
Amazing how quickly people forgot about Rod Blagojevich's impeachment. Illinois governor got impeached for trying to sell Obama's senate seat when he became president.
I remember that guy…Trump pardoned him.
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So he was in prison for convicted corruption and Trump got him off the hook and released from prison…got it.
I don’t see where anyone was shifting blame, just pointing out the fact that Trump freed his buddy he knew from being a contestant on his reality tv show. The only error was one of being of he was commuted and not pardoned, but to the average person that doesn’t really matter, the point was made.
Trump is bipartisan when it comes to corruption. A true uniter.
As did Eleanor Roosevelt and possibly Nancy Reagan. And someone is doing it for Biden.
The process for replacing a US Senator is the same in every state. Governor appoints a temporary replacement, special election must occur within two years. If the term is less than two years from ending, special election is not necessary. Shapiro could appoint anyone, and at one point in time appointing the wife of the Senator who stepped down or died was extremely common, but these days its unheard of. Shapiro would probably appoint Conor Lamb or Malcolm Kenyatta or somebody like that.
Just to clarify your point, that’s correct for PA, but it is not the same in every state. Most states allow the governor to replace the senator until a special election can be held but some have restrictions on who the governor can appoint, some require the appointee to be from the same party as the outgoing senator and some require the state house to approve the appointee. 4 states do not allow the governor to replace the senator at all and require a special election.
I would hope he appoints someone that has a chance at getting elected down the road.
Helen Gym
No
Well it's theoretically possible if that's who Shapiro appoints, but not that's not gonna happen I don't know why right-wing media is so obsessed with her. No clue who Shapiro would appoint if Fetterman steps down, but it isn't gonna be his wife.
They are obsessed with her because she doesn't look like them.
And she was also an asylum seeker if I'm not mistaken.
Thank FSM!
What does FSM mean?
Flying Spaghetti Monster?
I think it goes back to when fetterman suggested appointing her as his replacement in Braddock
That makes sense. It seemed like such an illogical talking point but I’ve been hearing it since the election
There have been a number of wives who were appointed to fill the term of deceased congressmen. Two that I can remember were Carnahan and Boggs. It's not automatic nor guaranteed though.
Senators not congressmen. Representatives can only be elected, per the Constitution.
Why not appoint Oz since he was in second last year??? He wanted the job.
Haha. I know no way Shapiro would cross party lines.
That’s not how it works? If Trump was removed from office it’s not like Clinton would have replaced him because she was second in 2016…
Did you not see the “Haha”? I am very aware it wouldn’t happen.
If Fetterman resigns, Shapiro will appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
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Governor appoints without restriction. Would Shapiro appoint Fetterman’s wife? I’m not sure why he would. What does he have to gain from that?
Fettermans not going anywhere.
It's not unheard of. Widows have been appointed to their late husband's senate seats 8 times. The most recent was Jean Carnahan in 2001. A Governor could appoint the widow as a placeholder until the special election and not be seen as trying to play favorites or influence the election.
This.
It's not required, it's not the law, but there seems to be a tradition of appointing the spouse to take a seat until the special election is held.
Wouldn't the Governor appoint someone until a special election could be scheduled?
this is what i was thinking.
yes
Fetterman’s wife is awesome.
...at being Fetterman's 24/7 caregiver.
At what?
Being a philanthropist and activist, and an all-around kick ass person.
I think we have different definitions of kickass.
Being awesome.
My guess is Shapiro would appoint the golden boy - Conor Lamb.
ugg... Fetterman to a corporatist, that'll be fun
Unlikely.
I'm actually thinking he might appoint someone like Rep McClinton. 2 firsts in one swoop.
Giselle Fetterman would be better, more empathic, more caring and smarter than any sitting Republican Senator.
Lol. You people make me laugh.
Hey, it’s my job.
I won’t repeat all the good explanations here of how replacing elected officials works but, seriously, is this a question that needs to be asked?
Clinical depression following a stroke is common. A stroke causes chemical changes in your brain. Psychiatric care and medication can help people recover to their normal selves.
Point is, it’s unlikely he’ll be unable to continue to serve any more than someone who has a heart attack, or a stroke, or a severe trauma injury. Our other senator was recently diagnosed with cancer and no one made dumbass claims about his spouse gunning for his job.
The discussion about Fetterman being capable of being in office vs Casey has been really frustrating to me. It’s almost like because Casey has been in for so long and wasn’t just elected that people forget about him. But also, no one thinks cancer (that required surgery!) will keep him away from votes and whatnot? The weird double standard is stupid. They’re both dealing with health problems that they are openly taking care of. It’s unfortunate timing but they are both capable of doing their job.
Understandable republicans are confused bc in the gop everything requires the blessing of a retired guy in Florida who is under various investigations for corruption.
Don’t talk about my Donald that way!
Psssh he's retired after all his candidates lost their midterms.
Could you let him know that? He seems to think he’s still running the show. Lol
If a Senator resigns, dies, or is removed, the Governor appoints someone to finish their term. Here, this idea is largely stemming from a custom that is sometimes followed, mostly when a Senator dies: Sometimes a Governor will appoint the Senator’s spouse to continue their “legacy.” The decision is up to the Governor, however, and anyone who is Constitutionally permitted to serve in the United States Senate is allowed to be appointed.
Is this a reference to Theresa Heinz's appoinment to her husband's seat when John Heinz died?
Have you tried google?
I prefer Reddit trolls to search engines.
They are entertaining sometimes 🤷♂️🤣
Well, if you insist. I googled it for you: What happens when a US Senator dies?
Not very trollish, but thank you!
LoL. I bow my head in shame. However… I SHALL BE BACK! And with a better link. ;-)
When in doubt, just link to r/sounding.
Okay. For the record, i gave you an up vote. But now I’m running to the bathroom for the eye bleach.
You prefer yourself?
Not seemly to be that way in public...
I enjoy the dialogue, yes.
Yes, his wife can take over for him and becomes senator for life due to a technicality in how the law was written
this is misleading. theres no technicality or chain of command where a vacated senate seat automatically goes to the spouse of the former senator. The only way his wife would “take over” is if shapiro appointed her to the seat, which i guarantee would never happen.
In what world is his wife the next most qualified person?
This isn’t the point, but you’re implying that all our electeds are qualified. Have you ever listened to them speak about how human reproduction occurs?
I don’t think Mrs. Fetterman has any interest; but as others have stated- Governor Shapiro is able to appoint whomever he chooses. Once a person accepts the nomination, a special election must occur within 2 years of the appointment. The nominated person can run, along with others. The winner of the special election would serve the remainder of the term. The special election doesn’t necessarily need to be separate from a regularly scheduled election cycle, but the office must be on the ballot within two years of the appointment.
…what? I don’t need you to explain how the process would work. I literally just responded to the notion that someone as unqualified as her shouldn’t be in any discussion
I’m saying she is no more or less qualified than some currently elected people who say things like “If it’s a legitimate [assault] the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”, while arguing that women don’t get pregnant by non consensual sex.
The Constitution sets three qualifications for service in the U.S. Senate: age (at least thirty years of age); U.S. citizenship (at least nine years); and residency in the state a senator represents at time of election.
She meets all of these qualifications.
Edited to add that today, an elected official proposed a bill to abolish the Department of Education at the end of the year. So I’m interested to hear what you think makes someone qualified to be a U.S. Senator, beyond what is outlined in the Constitution.
No, that's not how it works
Believe the gov appoints. But there’s a history for spouses doing that if I’m not mistaken. I would think some former candidates would get it before her though.
She can most certainly take his place this has happened many many times in both Congress and Senate
That's ridiculous. That's not how this country works. Yet.
He
is
fine
Solid mantra, poor reporting.
Are you a doctor?
Well state Senator Dave Arnold (R-lebanon County) was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at the start of his campaign. Despite a terminal diagnosis, and a life expectancy of around a year, he was elected because he was a republican. He made his last public appearance in November and was dead by February.
If what I am told is correct, he lost his mental functioning around November and it got to the point that he did not recognize his family. Very sad situation for all involved. However apparently he was considered mentally stable enough to give his proxy for others to vote in his place.
I don't understand the rules- but apparently there is no test required to allow another person to cast your vote in the state government. Totally unregulated.
Well that is not good
The situation was certainly sad. I don't mean to minimize it. But there has to be some established standard to give proxy, right?
Not if you are a member of the GQP in the GQP controlled PA State Senate.
Well they certainly exploited his illness
Fetterman ain’t going anywhere. This is a political move to de-stigmatize getting mental health help. He will come out stronger and push a good message out while doing so.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Well, the way you describe it as a political move sounds a bit gross. All in favor of getting help if you need it though
How do you know he will come out stronger? Are you a doctor or just a wishful thinker? Sounds like the latter.
There would have to be a special election
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The governor appoints someone to fill the position until the term ends https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/05/03/how-do-states-fill-vacancies-in-the-u-s-senate-it-depends-on-the-state/ft_22-04-19_senatereplacement_2/
What's former governor wolf up to? lol
Lol. Golfing in the nice weather?
Hopefully replacing Fetterman will be unnecessary as he gets well quickly
Fetterman is unable to perform his duties. But was this known before he was elected? Would that make this fraud?
An interesting question for sure
The next senator is chosen by who can pull the sword from the stone.
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The most likely scenario IMO is he resigns (as I hope he does for his health), and Gov. Shapiro appoints another Dem to serve the remainder of the term
Up until a special election not remainder of the term.
Ah okay
IMO, she would refuse the appointment. She has no interest in becoming a politician herself.
They asked she be appointed mayor of Braddock, so she must have some interest
They asked, but she must have turned them down or she would have been mayor. She has tweeted several times that she doesn't want to hold public office.
Sorry, to clarify, the fettermans asked and council turned them down. Here's an article from when it happened: https://web.archive.org/web/20190429090228/https://theincline.com/2018/11/15/john-fetterman-asked-braddock-council-to-appoint-his-wife-interim-mayor-members-say/
Wow! I'm really surprised, I know she's tweeted that she isn't interested in holding office. I'm really surprised.
It’s weird, but sometimes people lie on the internet. Lol
Yah, because being mayor is like being senator. She's got kids. They will come first.
Not hoping for a need for an appointment, but certainly for a Keyatta appointment if absolutely needed 😎
I would support her as a long time Fetterman supporter. She and John are always campaigning together. Like always. We have a progressive Senator in PA because of the two of them.
Said another way, if Shapiro were to turn around and appoint Conor Lamb, I will be super pissed.
I cannot see Shapiro appointing Lamb.
No, but she can run to replace him in the election.
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Same applies to everyone in the state lol
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Technically correct: the only kind of correct!
So you’re saying I have a chance?!?
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What do you mean?
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Fetterman is a complete waste
You’re almost definitionally correct. He’s been in place for 5 weeks, contributed nothing meaningful and capitalized on access to better healthcare than most other Pennsylvanians could receive.
https://www.congress.gov/member/john-fetterman/F000479
Cosponsor of 13 bills or resolutions in a month? of work. Not sure how much they’ve been in session. Maybe it’s a waste to you but to me it looks like he’s doing his job. Sucks he’s having a rough time and hope he’s back to work soon.
Co-sponsor, as in signing his name to a bill.
13 signatures a month, what a workhorse.
He’s a fucking freshman senator in his first month on the job. What did you want from him? Do you know what he did the days the senate wasn’t in session? Just sat around and did nothing right? I’m sure you know what all the other senators did and how they’ve done so much more work than fetterman, right? Do you know what the typical daily duties of a senator actually are?
What do you want from people? You want them to say “oh damn I should have gone against all my principles and beliefs and voted for Oz?” Do you think this is gonna convert hundreds of thousands of democrats to republicans? Yeah, not gonna happen. You asked a stupid question as a front to trash the man who had a stroke. Clown.
No, Oz was a loser from the jump, so there’s no reason anyone should convert for him. Conversion in general doesn’t help anyone.
But people, I presume like yourself, have raised Fetterman up as a folk hero, who is going to make a difference. In the end, just like all the others, he is a career politician just like all the others, playing his role as the progressive savior.
What do I want people to do? Ideally, realize none of these people on either team care about you. Stop putting any trust in them, because all they do is take. Be independent, think critically.
Maybe not a waste, but just an extraordinarily large placeholder?
ImperialIIClass t1_j8xvpit wrote
This entire sub needs a Civics lesson.