I don't think that close relationship necessitates identical political ideology. But they *can* in some cases best represent the will (if not the personality or style) of the original seat-holder. Given the Kennedy family's long involvement in politics and social policy (through elected office as well as work in non-profit), they are perhaps more equipped than most families to step in. And a Kennedy family member or aide or close friend with some political know-how would be most interested in casting "the" vote for health care reform. If a 5-month interim appointment rekindles Democratic passion for an issue that was so central to the 2008 presidential campaign, - what is shaping up to be *the* issue this fall - then I'm happy to exploit (be exploited by?) the connection.

In the Ted Kennedy case, we're speaking of 5 months between appointment and special election, with the appointee excluded from contention.

But I'd feel the same way if a GOP representative was temporarily replaced by a family member or aide or close colleague - or complete stranger to the deceased - who was committed to the policies and stances of the deceased (provided they weren't a complete idiot, unless the deceased was). That's not "royalty worship," but "placeholding" until the voters can make a new choice.

I'm not interested in a Kennedy moving from out of state to run for the seat next year. I'm sure there are plenty of qualified non-Kennedys already in Massachusetts. (Though what qualifications are there, other than US citizenship and 30+ years on the planet?) The election is the chance for voters to get a fresh look at new faces, and to have a fresh perspective.

I think Vicki has said she's not interested in the position, so

I think it's rather moot.

But, temporary interim appointments are not elections. When considering an interim appointment, I think the appointee should be as close a copy of the original, in terms of likely voting, as possible. So I'm less concerned with "nepotism" appointments in that limited sense. A Kennedy aide or family member would likely vote the way Ted Kennedy would vote, which is what (presumably) voters wanted when they elected Kennedy to the seat. I particularly like the idea of excluding the interim appointee from running in the special election, which allows voters the chance to choose someone without emotion.

(And I'd feel that way if we were speaking about Orrin Hatch).

So Jenna (unless she is a "black sheep" we haven't been told about) will be one more pol with an agenda presenting "news."

I could live with it if such pols were clearly identified - "And now a story from Republican daughter of former President Bush, Jenna Bush" - every time. And if there were pols from all camps present.

But, coverage seems to be lurching to the right. CNN recently decided to exclude "talk radio hosts" from their panels. Which means liberal radio commentators are shut out of the mainstream news coverage. (Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and others from the right may not be featured as panelists, but their names and their views are often the "story." The net result is we hear more right-slanted opinion.)

Thoughts, Glenn?

those "vile" Kennedys, especially Ted, who lived lives devoted to public service, who improved the lives of the poor, the weak, the discriminated, the uneducated.

Selfish jerks.

Gonzales said the plan was approved by people "confirmed by the Senate to exercise their own independent judgment." (Source thinprogress.org)

DeLay himself said: "I'm the Majority Leader, and I want more seats" (Source: Washington Post, 1/19/2003)

But, what do you expect form a guy who insists: "I AM the federal government." (source: Wikiquotes). This was in a dispute with a restaurant manager who had the nerve to ask DeLay comply with federal law and put out his cigar.

Now, tell me again how elitist and "laws for me but not for thee" Ted Kennedy was, compared tot his clown.

Oh indeed. Laws like (just off the top of my head):

Americans With Disabilities Act

Voting Rights Act

Civil Rights Act (1964)

Disabilities Education Act

Title IX

Minimum wage increase

Health InsurancePortability Act

Family & Medical Leave Act

and programs like:

WIC

Head Start

Direct Loans

SCHIP

He opposed the Iraq War, but voted to fund the troops.

He opposed the wind farm project (and btw, he wasn't the only person to do so), but the League of Conservation Voters gave him an 82% rating on environmental issues. Show me a Republican with that cred. (Reagan? The guy who said most of our pollution comes from trees? Bush II? The guy who said that clear-cutting forests was the best way to prevent forest fires? Palin? The gal who swims in oil and shoots wolves from her private plane?)

Yeah. Ted Kennedy. Always thinking of himself. Never giving a damn about the little guy. He's a regular old Paris Hilton.

but the dream of thousands upon thousands of Americans.

We may honor Kennedy by continuing his work, but we will all benefit. Even the crazy sobs who have ben ranting here for days will get their much-needed meds.

I think it's important to remember that Kennedy was a voice for many. And his voice was really ours.

When my oldest child started school, I learned (through her targeted questions) that a pair of conjoined twins also attended the same school (one pelvis, one set of legs, 2 separate torsos).

Trying to navigate that Q&A made "the sex talks" (let's say it again: talkS! not talk.) much easier.

Kerry was warm and funny, Biden was eloquent, and Culver was funny as hell. Best. Boating. Story. Ever.

Kerry was warm and funny, Biden was eloquent, and Culver was funny as hell. Best. Boating. Story. Ever.