swellman
20th March 2003, 09:37 AM
The Massachusetts House timed this one nicely.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/079/metro/House_seat_battle_may_go_back_to_court+.shtml
From the article:
"The battles began last November, when Patrick won a 12-vote victory, a lead that expanded to 17 votes after a recount, in an election in which some voters were given the wrong ballots, and one polling station closed down briefly. [Barnstable Superior Court Judge Richard] Connon ordered a new election, but House leaders disputed the court's authority, and set about deciding on the validity of the election. A House panel found Tuesday that Patrick was duly elected, and tomorrow Democrats will vote to seat the one-term incumbent, who has occupied the seat as a holdover until now.
This week, Republicans decried that decision as a 'bag job' and an attempt to thwart democracy. Some political observers see the House decision as court-baiting, the latest salvo in a continuing battle between the two branches of government."
The whole thing is probably black letter law, but the House leaders waited for months before making an announcement this week.
Are all state legislatures so embarrassing?
Makes me wonder how many other shenanigans are underway throughout the country now that everyone's attention is focused elsewhere.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/079/metro/House_seat_battle_may_go_back_to_court+.shtml
From the article:
"The battles began last November, when Patrick won a 12-vote victory, a lead that expanded to 17 votes after a recount, in an election in which some voters were given the wrong ballots, and one polling station closed down briefly. [Barnstable Superior Court Judge Richard] Connon ordered a new election, but House leaders disputed the court's authority, and set about deciding on the validity of the election. A House panel found Tuesday that Patrick was duly elected, and tomorrow Democrats will vote to seat the one-term incumbent, who has occupied the seat as a holdover until now.
This week, Republicans decried that decision as a 'bag job' and an attempt to thwart democracy. Some political observers see the House decision as court-baiting, the latest salvo in a continuing battle between the two branches of government."
The whole thing is probably black letter law, but the House leaders waited for months before making an announcement this week.
Are all state legislatures so embarrassing?
Makes me wonder how many other shenanigans are underway throughout the country now that everyone's attention is focused elsewhere.