Tom DeLay's surprise announcement that he is retiring from Congress and leaving the race for re-election sent politicos scrambling this morning down here.
First of all, it's not clear how he can resign from the race--under Texas law you have to die, be incapacitated or become ineligible to hold office in order to get your name off the ballot in November at this point in the election proceedings. De Lay must have chosen the latter option because he announced he is taking a job with a DC area organization and will move to Virginia which will become his legal residence.
Secondly, a special election to elect a replacement to serve the remainder of his term must be held. That's a problem for the state election officials. Since a state-wide election is already scheduled for May, this special election will probably be added to that ballot.
Thirdly, the Republican party must select a replacement for De Lay as its nominee in the general election. That won't necessarily be the same person as whoever gets elected to fill his unexpired term, but it probably will be. Lawyers are studying the election laws as I write, trying to figure out who makes that selection.
The list of those who have already expressed interest in replacing De Lay include Republican Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. That's the man who received kudos around the world for his role in organizing Houston's reception of Katrina evacuees. He's my personal pick.
Whoever replaces De Lay will be a Republican. District 22 is mega-red. I'm very relieved to be spared the George Soros funded anti-De Lay ad barrage that was looming over our district for the off-year election.
First of all, it's not clear how he can resign from the race--under Texas law you have to die, be incapacitated or become ineligible to hold office in order to get your name off the ballot in November at this point in the election proceedings. De Lay must have chosen the latter option because he announced he is taking a job with a DC area organization and will move to Virginia which will become his legal residence.
Secondly, a special election to elect a replacement to serve the remainder of his term must be held. That's a problem for the state election officials. Since a state-wide election is already scheduled for May, this special election will probably be added to that ballot.
Thirdly, the Republican party must select a replacement for De Lay as its nominee in the general election. That won't necessarily be the same person as whoever gets elected to fill his unexpired term, but it probably will be. Lawyers are studying the election laws as I write, trying to figure out who makes that selection.
The list of those who have already expressed interest in replacing De Lay include Republican Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. That's the man who received kudos around the world for his role in organizing Houston's reception of Katrina evacuees. He's my personal pick.
Whoever replaces De Lay will be a Republican. District 22 is mega-red. I'm very relieved to be spared the George Soros funded anti-De Lay ad barrage that was looming over our district for the off-year election.
7 comments:
What...the Osteen clan is not putting forth a candidate?
"Your Best Congress Now!"
BWAAAHAHAHA! That's really funny, CP. But then again, not really.
"First of all, it's not clear how he can resign from the race--under Texas law you have to die ..,"
I suspect that this is one occasion where Demcrats might be willing to help. *grin*
Good one, CP!!
But then...Osteen and De Lay have the same hair....
~cue Twilight Zone Theme~
"District 22 is mega-red" Might one hope for a little socialist pink?
Thanks for the clarifications. But I think I'll keep voting in Georgia. This is too confusing for an old man.
First of all, it's not clear how he can resign from the race--under Texas law you have to die, be incapacitated or become ineligible to hold office in order to get your name off the ballot in November at this point in the election proceedings.
Seriously? THe election is over 6 months away and already too late to get your name off the ballot? Wow. Most elections here you have until about 6 weeks beforehand to do that. When do you have to get your name ON the ballot by?
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