By Brian Yates
Sleaziness is nothing new for Democrats; it’s almost become expected. However, this situation in New Jersey is flat ridiculous, even for Democrats. Demonstrating their blatant disregard for the United States Constitution (yeah, why should that matter anyway?) and New Jersey election law, Democrats have forced Senator Robert Torricelli to withdraw from his reelection race against Republican Doug Forrester.
Democratic Party leaders didn’t, and still don’t, care that Torricelli took bribes from a crooked businessman supporter, David Chang. The fact that Rolex watches, diamond earrings for his girlfriend, a television, Oriental rug, grandfather clock, Italian suits, other antique items, and at least fourteen envelopes stuffed with cash were given to Torricelli in return for certain favors meant nothing to Democrats until he fell behind in the polls to the challenger, Forrester. The Senate ethics committee, composed of three Democrats and three Republicans (but chaired by a Democrat), simply slapped Torricelli on the wrist. The Democrats did not care one iota about Torricelli and any of his illegal business dealings. However, Torricelli, who had enjoyed a comfortable lead in the polls, fell behind Forrester, which, of course, is completely unacceptable. So the Democrats forced Torricelli to withdraw from the Senate race and they have replaced him with a former NJ senator, liberal Frank Lautenberg. If anyone watched Gov. Jim McGreevey’s press conference announcing Frank Lautenberg as the new Democratic candidate for Senate, you could actually see DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe holding the puppet strings behind his podium.
New Jersey law clearly states that changes to the ballot shall be made “not later than the 48th day preceding the date of the general election.” It’s pretty clear… no changes can be made. However, to Democrats, laws are nothing more than pesky little things they pass for others to abide by. The problem here is that New Jersey is a very liberal state, and that their state Supreme Court contains two justices that have actually contributed $1000 each to Bob Torricelli. So this case will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Democrats have another plan just in case they should fail to get their way. Torricelli will simply resign from the Senate, and Gov. McGreevey will appoint Lautenberg as his replacement and suspend the election for a year, until a special election can be held. This would give the Democrats a chance to run a full campaign. The only problem with this plan is the Constitution. Article I, Section III of the Constitution states that “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years.” If this plan was to be used, the senator would have served a seven-year term. This is clearly forbidden by the Constitution; notice the reference to “six years.” To Democrats, however, the Constitution is merely an obstacle for their retaining control of the Senate in 2002.
Now, I know what Democrats and their supporters are saying: “It’s just not fair to not have a Democrat on the ballot. New Jersey voters have to have a choice.” No such thing. Folks, I’m from Eastern Kentucky; there aren’t any Republicans on the ballot for most elections. Is this unfair? Am I supposed to sue Pike County because I’m being forced to vote for a Democrat if I want to vote? So the fairness argument is pure rubbish, plain and simple.
You ask what the problem is with replacing Torricelli? He was replaced simply because he fell behind in the polls. If he had managed to protect his lead against Forrester, we wouldn’t be having this discussion today. To Democrats, however, the thought of losing control of the Senate (and thereby losing the opportunity to obstruct the president at every turn) is worse than death. The courts have allowed this clear violation of law and Constitution to continue, but what’s to stop any candidate from being replaced as soon as they fall behind? What if the NCAA had sent the University of Miami in to replace Florida State as soon as the Seminoles fell behind U of L? It’s the same thing here. As usual, though, rules simply do not apply to the Democrats.
