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Carcieri Vetoes Senator Replacement Bill

Chris Boardman

Story Created: Nov 10, 2009 at 2:35 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 10, 2009 at 2:35 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island's Republican governor has vetoed Democratic-backed legislation stripping him of the power to appoint interim U.S. senators.

Gov. Don Carcieri announced his veto Tuesday and called the legislation flawed.

The Democratic-dominated General Assembly approved legislation last month requiring that interim U.S. senator be selected through special elections. Democrats hold a veto-proof majority.

Under current law, Carcieri can appoint a replacement who will
serve until the next general election, which happens every two
years. If a vacancy opens within 70 days of a general election,
Carcieri's appointee would serve until the following election.

Carcieri said the proposed system could create special elections
that give candidates little time to campaign and suffer from poor voter turnout.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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