MNpublius has been covering Norm Coleman’s ethics scandal closely and it begs the question: as this story continues to be investigated and if these allegations are true, which right now they look like they are, what would happen to Norm Coleman if he was actually re-elected?
I believe there are four possible scenarios based on the code on filling a vacancy in the U.S. Senate:
1. If the next Senator is forced to vacate his seat between January 2009 and six weeks before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2013, there’s a special election. That election would be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the November following the vacancy. There will also be a primary at the regular primary time in even-numbered years and four weeks before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years. (The only exception to this is if the vacancy occurs withing six weeks of the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, then it’s held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the next year.)
In other words, If Coleman does a perp walk and is forced to resign in June of 2009, there will be a special election to fill the unexpired term on November 2 and a primary four weeks before. If Coleman does the perp walk and is forced to resign on October 22, 2009, the special primary would be held on the regular primary day in 2010 and the special general election would be held on the regular election day in 2010.
2. If the next Senator is forced to vacate his seat anytime after six weeks before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2013, then there is no special election and the seat comes up next on election day 2014.
In other words if Coleman does a perp walk and is forced to resign in December 2013, the special primary would be held on the regular primary day in 2014 and the special general election would be held on the regular election day in 2014.
3. Between the time of the vacated seat and the special election the Governor may appoint a replacement who will serve until a replacement is elected in a special election.
For example, if Coleman does a perp walk and is forced to resign in December 2013, Governor Pawlenty will be able to appoint someone like, let’s say, Michele Bachmann or anyone he wants to to be Senator.
4. If the vacancy occurs during an election year, whomever wins on election day will fill the vacant seat immediately.
If Coleman does a perp walk and is forced to resign in December 2013, Pawlenty will be able to appoint anyone to the Senate, for example again, let’s say Bachmann. The special primary would be held on the regular primary day in 2014 and the special general election would be held on the regular election day in 2014, and when whatever Democrat presumably beats Bachmann wins the election would take over the term immediately.
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Your statements earlier in the week about hating Norm Coleman are true: you really do hate Coleman.
Even one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers said this has nothing to do with the election or the Colemans.
“McKim’s lawyer, Casey Wallace, said, ‘This has absolutely nothing to do with the election. We didn’t sue Norm Coleman, Laurie Coleman or Hays. This lawsuit is about Deep Marine Technology and wrongs to minority shareholders by majority shareholders.” Source: AP, October 31, 2008
You are a real hater Aaron.
Why does Michael Brodkorb love corruption?
Michael - then Norm should sue The Texan for defamation, and demand that The Texan amend his lawsuit to remove any and all references to Norm Coleman and Norm Coleman’s wife.
This should be no problemo for ol’ Smokescreen; we’ve seen ol’ Smokescreen has no problemo with filing lawsuits during campaign seasons.
The fact Coleman is NOT filing suit against The Texan leads reasonable people to believe there’s reasonable basis for The Texan including Norm Coleman and Norm Coleman’s wife.
To be fair, he only loves corrupt Republicans.
Seems to me that the people who received stolen money should be a part of any suit. How else can you get the money back? The stockholder that were defrauded deserve to understand why this went on.
The suit has been filed because someone didn’t want to be the fall guy for his boss. I hope they bring all the facts to life. When Norm does his perp walk, I want the Strib to cover it. Front page.
“What Happens When This Is Proven True?”” == See Alaska; Ted Stevens *laughing*
“”Even one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers said this has nothing to do with the election or the Colemans. “”
Then why all the love at MDE today, Mike?
I Love Norm Coleman … don’t tell my wife! Flash
Your analysis assumes that Pawlenty is Governor in 2013. Governor’s office is on ballot prior to this time.
Don’t ya just love anticipating another republican perp walk?! The republican party — the gift that keeps on giving.
Go Al!!!
I think the real question is what will happen if Norm wins. I know I’m pushing for a draft with no exceptions. Let’s let the rich put their kids on the front line for a while and maybe they will think before they act.