Sorry GOP, Seating Brown Will Have to Wait

Kennedy was sworn in fast, but under different circumstances

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2010 11:48 AM CST

(Newser) – Republicans have been crowing that Scott Brown should be seated right away, just like Ted Kennedy was back in 1962, but there are some big differences between then and now. Senators are not supposed to be sworn in until they’re officially certified, TalkingPointsMemo explains. The Senate waived that rule for Ted for two reasons: first, he’d won by a landslide, and second, the Senate wasn’t in session, so it made little difference.

This time around, of course, the Senate is in session, and since rules can only be waived by unanimous consent, that’s unlikely to happen again. Democrats also have more recent precedent on their side: Al Franken and Roland Burris both faced certification issues. Massachusetts law also allowed for swifter certification in 1962; these days, all absentee and military ballots have to be counted first.

Scott Brown celebrates his win in Boston Tuesday. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Massachusetts State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, celebrates in Boston, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 47 comments

Non-deep-thinker

Jan 21, 2010 12:25 PM CST

Pretend none of this is going on, Einstein. You'll find out soon enough that it is. Make up your own statistics - whatever feels good to you. And make up your own Massachusetts Senate Race outcome while you're at it. Pretend the Mad Hatter defeated Alice in double O.T. for all I care.

cornelison

Jan 21, 2010 5:55 AM CST

If Brown is serious about the deficit & health care he should promise not to take $700/month from taxpayers who contribute to his new health insurance plan.

CenterIndependent

Jan 21, 2010 2:36 AM CST

even though he is a Liberal Republican in the most liberal states in the Union?

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Senate • Ted Kennedy • certification • Edward Kennedy • Scott Brown • Massachusetts senate race • William Galvin

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Sorry GOP, Seating Brown Will Have to Wait

Kennedy was sworn in fast, but under different circumstances

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Senate • Ted Kennedy • certification • Edward Kennedy • Scott Brown • Massachusetts senate race • William Galvin

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Sorry GOP, Seating Brown Will Have to Wait

Kennedy was sworn in fast, but under different circumstances

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Senate • Ted Kennedy • certification • Edward Kennedy • Scott Brown • Massachusetts senate race • William Galvin

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Mass. Election Could Seal Fate of Health Reform

Dems' options if Brown wins not looking good

Blame Kennedy for Coakley

If he hadn't held his seat so long, Democrats would have more talent

Obama Will Visit Mass., Stump for Coakley

White House pulls out the stops in Mass. special election

Dems Could Actually Lose Kennedy Seat

Swing voters weak on Coakley—even some who back health care

Mass. Senate Race Becomes Referendum on Health Bill

Candidates to succeed Kennedy cast selves as deciding vote

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Newser By Users

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