LEGISLATION WOULD REQUIRE FUTURE U.S. SENATE VACANCIES TO BE FILLED BY SPECIAL ELECTION
Future United States Senate vacancies in South Carolina would be filled via special election under new legislation introduced by S.C. Rep. Rick Quinn (R-Columbia).
Quinn introduced his bill six days after U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint shocked the political world by announcing his resignation from the U.S. Senate to serve as president of a Washington D.C. think tank. Under current South Carolina law, Gov. Nikki Haley gets to name a replacement for DeMint who will serve until the next statewide election – which is scheduled for November 2014.
Haley is under no time constraint to make the appointment, although she has whittled her list down to five names and has said she will make a final decision prior to the end of the year.
“This proposed legislation is not intended in any way as a criticism of Governor Haley or any of the outstanding leaders she is apparently considering for appointment to the United States Senate,” Quinn said in a statement. “I am certain they would all do a fine job.”
Still, Quinn said he was concerned by the “lack of public involvement in the process” and the fact “up to two full years” would pass before South Carolinians would be able to have a say in the matter.
“No one person should be able to select a U.S. Senator for the over four million citizens of South Carolina,” Quinn said. “When we vote for our United States Senator, it is one of the most important electoral decisions we make. One person should not be empowered to appoint that position for such an extended period of time.”
Quinn’s proposal makes sense to us … in fact we were thinking about writing an editorial to that effect earlier this week but he beat us to the punch. And he’s correct – the issue has nothing to do with Haley or any of the names on her “short list.” Instead it’s about the underlying process of how this post is filled.
Even if we were talking about a real leader (like S.C. Sen. Tom Davis) appointing a genuine fiscal conservative (like U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney) to this post – the current method still wouldn’t be right.
At the end of the day the seat belongs to the people, and the people should decide who sits in it – not two years from now, but today.
Accordingly, we support Quinn’s proposal – which would not impact the current selection process but would apply to all future U.S. Senate vacancies.
SPECIAL ELECTION LEGISLATION (.pdf)
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45 comments
Dumbo here.
I was stupid enough to post this question (Quinn’s idea) at FITSnews the day the DeMint story appeared.
Someone said to me, “No, Dumbo, that’s not the way it’s done. That would ALWAYS give the PEOPLE the right to choose their Congressmen. This is South Carolina, and the crooked legislators would never support that.”
I, too, think Quinn’s idea is excellent.
But this being fucked up South Carolina (incumbent Quinn often part of the problem), I expect his bill to NEVER pass the House or the Senate.
— Dumbo
Too many elections and election fatigue. Of course Quinn wants another election; It would give his firm a chance to milk money from a candidate. The current arrangement is suitable.
Speaking of milking money..Joe Wilson having a Fundraiser Monday night in Columbia. The guy has no shame shilling for 1000 dollar sponsors and to get some of his crackers and meat it will set you back 25.00.
Trust me….Joe Wilson’s meat ain’t worth $25.00
I normally do not agree with whatever the Human Marshmellow says; however, this is an excellent idea.
Demint was a pussy who quit on his home state for more money, and Haley is dragging this out as long as she can to keep her grifting ass in the news.
You Demint lovers should be pissed at him for throwing in the towel.
NIMRATA could be dragging it out to let the bribe pot grow.
Agree with south mauldin that Demint should fulfill his commitment to the state and complete his term.
Joe Wilson should do something for the state and RESIGN! He’s a fucking moron!!
“Quinn said he was concerned by the “lack of public involvement in the process”
Bullshit
When in the hell did Rick Quinn ever give a rat’s ass about the public.
Were was the little fucker when he and his fellow cockroaches were ripping off the Retirement System with their special Legislators Only retirement package.
Were has he been in the fight to get rid of shitass smiling Smurf Reynolds Williams.
If Quinn was Governor, he would tell us to go fuck ourselves, twice.
The only reason he wants us to get involved is probably due to the fact that the Gypsy Queen kicked sand in his vagina when he went begging for her to pick his horse for the vacancy.
Normally Jim I relish everything you say. Drool at the stool of Fat Buddy’s.
But I would take Honey Badger Quinn over the moron we have that took his place, Head Ballentine. The two bills he has introduced have not been about improving thing for his constituents but more bullshit about politics not people.
i wonder how long this decision process will last. what’s haley up to — taking urine samples from these eager candidates? oh, i’m sorry, this is a drum roll to keep the national media on nik, i get it
“urine samples” – HAW! HAW! HAW!
It’s not urine fellas.
Hey, that is one of best photos of Haley ever on this site. Sexy and sweet (looking, that is) – and also a different outfit.
Bullshit, she’s ugly as hell.
Ya, she owns three business outfits plus the oyster-shell-aluminum thing she wore to the convention. In that convention picture she absolutely exudes sex.
That’s odd, because she should have dozens of terrific outfits from Exotica. Must be some reason she doesn’t (I don’t know if Exotica peddles lingerie)
Butch Wallace bought all the lingerie….for him and Joe Joe.
It’s safe to assume that Henry McMaster didn’t make the final cut.
Also, Quinn doesn’t make any money off of gubernatorial Senate appointments, so this makes sense.
Best idea yet:
Richard Quinn & Associates should disclose all income from local, state and federal “consulting” contracts. These folks are fleecing the taxpayer worse than any RINO in the Senate, and this website doesn’t have the intestinal or testicular fortitude to say anything about it.
Richard and Rick Quinn are by far the most corrupt assholes in South Carolina. No one else is even close.
Joe Wilson is not above reproach in the corrupt category. People just think he’s too stupid to do anything. I’d peel back the onion and look at the shit that’s inside.
Gee – isn’t that somewhat harsh?
No, just the truth sounds harsh.
LOL…..LOL……..LOL
Well…..well….well……..S.C. Rep. Rick Quinn (R-Columbia)
When one sits back and realizes that such time spent on the keyboard to throw rice your way for this bill…must…imply that Wil FOlks is up to no good. Its only logical to consider what questions Mr. Folks failed to ask you on other National issues…..
1) Mr Quinn……..are you concerned that Haley’s pick will actually get a Marine out of a Mexico Prison..??
2) Mr. Quinn…..are you concerned that Haley’s pick will ask Leon Panetta what type of MEDAL one should get for falling on top of a grenade to protect fellow MARINES…??
3) Mr. Quinn………are you concerned that Haley’s pick will wonder how 800 airports to be constructed in Brazil will impact the WAR on Drugs and boots in South America…??
4) Mr. Quinn………are you concerned that Haley’s pick will wonder why you did not ask what FEDERAL SPONSOR was accountable for the funds at South Carolina State’s Transportation …mecca.??
5) Mr. Quinn…….are you concerned that Haley’s pick will understand RAIL Lines out of North CHARLESTON and the VALUE of the easement above the track…….!?!?
6) Mr. Quinn…….are you concerned that Haley’s pick will understand how to use graduate students to keep tabs on 900 MILLION given to BOEING…???
7) Mr Quinn ….are you concerned that Haley’s pick will understand how to USE the FITSNEWS website instead of just reading it..!?!
8) Mr Quinn…..say hello to Jim Clyburn for us all….
Branton, how can a Senator spring someone from a jail in Mexico? We’re not talking Senator Rambo here – well, maybe if we named Ketner, she’s a bit on a butchy side.
Now….now….Palko
Would a fine Senator not know how squeeze Fast and Furious funding to perk up some ears…???
Would a fine Senator not understand the impact of saying “We came. we Saw…and He’s FREE” on the Colbert Report and FITS News….??
Would a fine Senator understand how to use Pork Barreling to send barrels of what to Drug Cartels…?
Dear, Dear …Palko………your sounding like Lindsey Graham.
Haley has not even talked to a single SC congressman about this selection. No calls, no meetings, nothing. So much for “transparency.” As usual, the MSM is asleep at the switch. Quinn and others have heard this and are worried that Haley is up to something bizzare and self serving. Haley? Nahhhh.
Follow the money, boys. That’s what talks to the Gypsy Queen.
Perfectly good idea. Unfortunately, his bill calls for just one voting machine, to be located at the rest area just past the Peak exit…..
Quinn loves rest areas
I agree with the legislation, but Queen Haley will probably veto it.
Sounds like good idea to me. I’m sure any sitting Governor would veto, but if votes are there it can be passed.
in other words Gov “Im really pissed that me and my alleged political clout along with my great hair are not on the list so i think ill kick the can down the street and not takle any real reform here in SC but i will put forth some useless POS legislation.” Sounds about right for a gloryhound like the Mighty Quinn.
Dear Rush Limbaugh………
Considering that you would probably never work with a Democrat, its a safe bet that your limp watering and attention to the plight of this Senate seat is rather glaring. Rush, why would Mr. Quinn even go through the ritual of belching this bill that is dead on arrival? Self promotion..??
Rush, you have so much in common with FITSNEWS…you really do..!!
A LOT of talk…..a little “action” ….but where are you leading your sheep?? The Fiscal Cliff…??
Rush, how hard would it be for you to interview a Marine in a Mexican Jail cell. Heck, you got Elton John to play at your wedding…did you not..??
Rush, we wonder how hard it would be for WIL FOLKS to go to Mexico with a video camera to interview this Marine and ask Nikki Haley to pick him as Senator from a Mexican Prison with a Marine smiling at the camera..????
Rush, stop being Dan Rather…we would “rather” you DO something to tell us about….!!!
Better yet …TELL US the phone number to Juan Valdez and when to call………how can Juan move his drugs if he is too busy talking to concerned South Carolina citizens on his phone..??
Rush…..Wil Foolks loves to play golf…have you played with him lately..?? He’s a three handicap……
Everybody knows that Alvin Greene finished 2nd to Demint in the last election.
So….ALVIN GREENE should be picked.
The people spoke …or at least mumbled during that election.
The will of the people.
ALVIN GREENE
Hmmmmm – that’s interesting; and it’s only for 24 months (maybe?)
lol, love this comment! Nice call Johnb.
He has my support over the moron Haley will end up selecting.
Lower the portcullis! Raise the drawbridge! More guards to the tower!
—– and all that!
It is an interesting to see the office of governor become as useless as tits on a bull.
At least if Alvin Greene or a Corky Thacher type gets in we can focus on the entertainment value while the mob votes away everyone’s money and freedom and their proxy’s enrich themselves via cronyism.
edit: “interesting thing”
I agree with previous comment: this means Henry Mac ain’t gettin’ the gig.
And I think it’s a bad idea. It’s one of the reason we elect Governor’s…same as they do in 34 other states.
Nobody seems to care about the cost of these special elections, like the one in House 17 next month. Much better to appoint now and not have any extra costs later, IMO. The “Founders” made choosing Seantors the job of the Governor, anyway.
Upstate_tea………BRAVO…
BRAVO….BRAVO…(clap, clap, clap)
We wondered just how long it would take a reader and concerned citizen to point this tax payer issue OUT..!!
We appoint you to be honorary EDITOR of Fitsnews…!!!
A good bill that lets the elected positions be filled by a vote, instead of a person.
Senators should be elected rather than appointed. Just like the “founding fathers” decreed!
You realize the founding fathers structured senate elections to be state legislature elections, not popular, right?