In wake of the current controversy following Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's alleged attempt to sell or barter for the open senate seat vacated when President Barack Obama left for the White House, Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., plans to take matters before the federal government. Feingold, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, desires to create a system that restores appointment power to the people rather than a state's governor.
I plan to introduce a constitutional amendment this week to require special elections when a Senate seat is vacant, as the Constitution mandates for the House, and as my own state of Wisconsin already requires by statute,"" Feingold said.
Vacant senate seats, usually deserted when a new presidential administration picks and chooses its members and cabinet positions, have caused a large amount of public outcry. In the weeks following Blagojevich's alleged acts, New York Governor David Paterson drew harsh criticism from Democrats for his selection of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand.
Feingold's proposed amendment creates a logistical dilemma: If the people elect the governor, should they not trust him with appointment powers? Unfortunately, the recent gubernatorial appointments have proven too problematic to be an effective replacement method. Governors are under too great of party pressure to select from their own party. The current appointment structure also dissuades the presidential administration from selecting a cabinet member from a state with a governor from the opposite political party, as the chances of losing a potential vote in the legislature is too great.
With every solution, there are drawbacks. Using a special election would cost more finances and labor, but such costs are worth giving people the final say over a gubernatorial appointment.
Congressional voters and state legislatures should endorse Feingold's amendment proposal as soon as the subcommittee convenes. Such an amendment change can only translate to more democratic representation in the legislative branch, a stipulation that should always remain of the highest priority.
