S.C. Rep. Rick Quinn (R-Lexington) today submitted legislation for pre-filing to change the way vacancies are filled for the office of United States Senator. If enacted, the bill would require a Special Election to be held to fill any future vacancies. To explain his legislation, Rep. Quinn released the following statement:
“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. I am certain they would all do a fine job.
My concern is the lack of public involvement in the process of selecting a person to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. The present system allows a governor to pick a replacement for up to two full years before any votes are cast.
No one person should be able to select a U.S. Senator for the over four million citizens of South Carolina. 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.
An incumbent United States Senator has a huge advantage. Not only can incumbents raise far more money than challengers but also the bully pulpit gives incumbents a forum unavailable to those who might run in the future. It is a simple reality that money and media access dominate the modern election process.
The present system gives an appointed Senator what may well amount to an overwhelming advantage before an election is held. That is why all candidates for the office should start from a level playing field as soon as possible when a vacancy occurs. This gives the voters more choices and a more decisive role in choosing their next U.S. Senator.
The need for change is highlighted by the fact that the U.S. Senate is the only Federal office handled in this non-democratic manner. In fact, if the Governor appoints any of the current elected officials on her short list, the law would require an immediate special election to fill those vacancies.
Looking around the nation, many states have gone to a special election process to fill vacancies in the U.S. Senate. Today, fourteen states would call for an immediate special election. Under current South Carolina law, a special election would take sixteen weeks to conduct.
Unexpected vacancies happen from time to time. It’s part of life. Any way we fill those vacancies will have flaws. But we must not dilute the people’s right to choose their representation at the ballot box. It is a fundamental right in our American system of governance. “
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5 comments
I guess it’s safe to assume Henry McMaster didn’t make the final cut.
Here’s a better idea:
Richard Quinn & Associates should disclose all of their income from all local, state and federal entities.
Haley’s decision making skills are not up to par.
We should have a special election.
The people,not Gov. Haley, voted Demint into his senate seat. A special election should happen for a new senator. I am one that is disappointed in Demint not finishing his term. The people put their faith in him and he had a responsibility to serve his term. This reminds me of a person who says “well I cannot have my way, let someone else do it.” Job offers could have followed Demint once he completed his term. He let the people down by resigning his elected post. It looks like all his constituents were casted out for his personal gain. But what else is new in the field of politics. They will tell you one thing and do another. Another good example as to why the people have a tough time trusting government.
He took the “Palin” route.
TEA Party, gotta’ luv ’em, Democrats greatest asset!
Think about how much money we save this way. I think we are all sick of elections for the present anyway.