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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2008 > December > 16 > Entry
Sherrod Brown has stake in Caroline Kennedy issue
Sen. Sherrod Brown was at the newspaper Tuesday for a wide ranging discussion with the editorial board and others. There was much serious talk, which will get various forms of attention in the paper.
But the big news, the hot story demanding to be reported even as he’s on his way out of the parking lot is this:
Asked what he thought of the idea of Caroline Kennedy for the Senate, he was non-commital. But he said, “I’ve got Bobby Kennedy’s desk. If she thinks she’s getting that….”
He was referring to a desk on the floor of the Senate. Many of the desks have some historical story. But Sen. Brown is very big on the Kennedys. He said Ted Kennedy is the best member of the Senate ever, as measured by important legislation he has fostered. And Brown enjoys an informal relationship with him, often having the chance to listen to his stories about the past.
Nevertheless, any bets on who gets the RFK desk?
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Local politics
Comments
By Raoul
December 17, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
I’m guessing Senator Brown was invited by the DDN, or did he just drop in to pay off his respects? Not that Democrat politicians have high places of honor within the DDN or anything, the paper being such a bastion of honest, non-partisan editorial commentary. But regarding Caroline Kennedy, what if any, are her credentials besides being the neice of the most embarrassing member of her family? Uncle Teddy embodies all the problems with our government; an intrenched, mega-rich, ultra liberal lifetime member of the ultimate ‘good old boys club’ the US Senate. If the country wants real change, the Senate is the place to start. Maybe Caroline would be a good choice since she has no experience. But I would rather she take Uncle Teddie’s seat. He has given the term ‘drunk with power’ a whole new meaning.By Martin Gottlieb
December 17, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
People in positions like Sen. Brown’s meet fairly regularly with editorial boards, regardless of party. Sen. Brown, for example, does not seem to be put off by the fact that this newspaper endorsed his opponent in 2006.By Alice
December 18, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
How do we embrace change if we demand a prerequisite of having served in public office to be able to serve in public office? All Caroline Kennedy has done is written a couple of books, worked to improve education in New York and have a background in constitutional law… and the last name of Kennedy so this MUST be all about entitlement. Although I am sure a lot of people around here will disagree with me, but I believe Barack Obama was elected in the end because he successfully represented a non-partisan vision, one that the American people long for. He didn’t win based on experience. It is the same high-ranking dem party officials that oppose her that also fought the nomination of our President-elect. As I thought, the same far left that threatened to capsize the election out of spite have taken credit and gotten over-blown egos from the democratic victory - a victory that was never really theirs but one belonging to us. They don’t understand the appeal of someone who possesses an outstanding resume and solid character but perhaps is not as strong at playing politics. Liberals have been complaining about something ever since Obama was elected and I am just sick of it. The latest attacks against Warren are more of it. I don’t agree with everything he stands for but he’s going to pray with us, not write laws! The last eight years of partisan ruling have been rough… could the far left just relax and shut up for awhile????By Alice
December 18, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
And PS Raoul: the election is over so you can stop scapegoating the media for the failures of the Republican party.By Raoul
December 19, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Thanks Martin, I had quite forgotten the DDN endorsed DeWine (if memory now serves). But I will stick by my belief that our government will not change for the better until the likes of Ted Kennedy are voted out. The Democrats seem to fascinated with rock stars and royalty who cannot possible legislate on behalf of average Americans. Alice, I don’t blame the media for the R’s losing the last election. McCain never had traction in his own party and ran a lousy campaign. I hope Obama is our greatest President ever. Long live the Republic.By Linn
December 23, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
The thoughts of yet another blithering Kennedy liberal in Washington makes me ill. Teddy Kennedy should just be getting out of prison for manslaughter and leaving the scene. Wow, the people that the Democrats put on pedestals! The Democrats in DC have no morality.By HKettlehake
December 28, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
I’m sick of the cronyism that is pervading the Senate. I believe it imperative, that a process similar to the house, be instituted by amendment to force statewide elections when a Senate vacancy occurs. The pending replacements by the democrats are just too out of line. A Caroline Kennedy in New York, a Biden son to replace Dad,a Salazar brother awaiting in the wings in Colorado and the Illinois mess is too much for this person to take. And then the latest, Ted Kennedy’s being replaced by his wife upon his resignation. How do we start a movement to force open senate seats to be filled with elections? HKettlehake Dayton, Oh.By Martin Gottlieb
December 29, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
To answer the question: The Constitution says a governor may make the appointment if the legislator gives him the power. So I guess it’s a state-by-state thing. But I don’t think it’s a case-by-case thing. That is, the issue is whether, when a vacancy occurs, there is an existing state law giving him that power. If it’s any comfort, I understand that about half the people who get appointed to the Senate lose when they come up for election, which is in less than two years. Personally, I wouldn’t love the idea of a special election, given how little time would pass between it and the next election, given how expensive statewide elections are, given that special elections often have low-turnout, and given that we already have so many elections. But I do think the Democrats have gotten themselves into a situation where they invite a backlash.By Chris
January 1, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be as against Caroline Kennedy except that she has NEVER EVEN RUN for an elected office. She wants to take the easy way and be appointed, knowing that as an incumbent she would have a better chance in the next election. In her case, I doubt she would have a chance in an election w/o that boost. And Martin is right, she probably wouldn’t get elected even with that head start. You would think Dems would be against cronyism since they complained about it during the entire Bush administration.