Why Is Paul Kirk Still Voting?

Published



SusanAnne Hiller at RedState notices that Sen. Paul Kirk of Massachusetts is still voting–some measures, such as the raising the debt ceiling to $14.3 trillion, passed on 60 to 40 party line votes. As Fred Barnes reported, “Massachusetts law says that an appointed senator remains in office ‘until election and qualification of the person duly elected to fill the vacancy.'” So the law says that Kirk ceased to be a senator when Scott Brown was elected and qualified–not certified–to fill that seat. Why is Kirk still voting?

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.