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A great man has just passed away and this is a time to mourn and to celebrate his life.
How does one begin to replace the irreplaceable Senator? For 50 years, Senator Byrd has been there for us.
Nate Silver at 538 has details on his call to the Secretary of State's Office.
Glance told me that no decision has been made yet on when a special election would be held to replace Robert Byrd, who passed away early this morning. Various interpretations of the law might require the special election to be held this November -- or not until November, 2012, when Byrd's term was set to expire anyway.
"There are a lot of sections on state code that apply to this kind of thing and we're examining each one of them and we'll be making an announcement soon," Glance told me. "We just need to make sure that what we say fits this specific situation."
Once there is a decision by the Secretary of State's office, then much of the short-term and possibly the long-term answer to the replacement question will come from Gov. Joe Manchin (D).
In an unfortunately timed Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article on Sunday, Manchin described his ambitions:
Lately, he's been preparing for a different role. Manchin, 62, is considering a Senate run should Robert Byrd, 92, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, decide not to seek a 10th term in 2012.
snip
"Do I have a desire to serve? Absolutely. I want to put myself in the best position I can to serve my state," he said.
Manchin is a Democrat though he is far more "centrist," as he describes himself, or "conservative," as others might describe him, than I would prefer.
If a short-term replacement is needed for Byrd, Manchin will appoint a Democrat who would serve until either a special election is held for the seat this year or in 2012 when Byrd's term would have expired, depending on the ruling from Secretary of State Natalie Tennant,another popular Democrat in West Virginia.
I've seen elsewhere of people discussing Republicans having a chance to win this seat. The reality is that the Republican Party may be winning West Virginia in presidential races, but every statewide office is held by Democrats, from the governor to the secretary of agriculture, and four of the five Congressional caucus members are Democrats. The lone Republican in Congress, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, could make a bid to run for the Senate, but the Republicans are overwhelmingly outnumbered in the State Senate and House of Delegates. The state GOP has no bench of candidates who can seriously challenge either Manchin or any number of potential Democratic candidates who might choose to run for the U.S. Senate.
As I commented earlier, Senator Byrd was called home before his work was done because his work will never be finished. It is up to another to pick up the banner and lead the charge forward for progress. It is up to us to continue Senator Byrd's message and his work. The Senator has earned his eternal rest. We have not.
The replacement for Senator Byrd should carry on his work as an honest broker regarding coal, as an advocate for improving mine safety, as an advocate for the Constitution and all of the people of West Virginia.
Who that person is and whether they will serve in the interim or run for election in 2010 or 2012 is yet to be determined by the state officials.
But one thing is for certain: we'll never see the likes of Senator Byrd again. Big Daddy was one of a kind. He will be missed.
STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD (D-W.Va.)
IN OPPOSITION TO "MURKOWSKI DISAPPROVAL RESOLUTION"
"I believe that the measure that we are being asked to vote upon today is extreme. The Murkowski Resolution before us today is being presented to the Senate in a most unusual fashion. A "Disapproval Resolution" limits this great institution's ability to conduct an open and thorough debate. This measure prohibits Senators from offering amendments. For those keeping score at home, in this political climate, it is usually the members of the minority party who are blasting the majority party for not allowing amendments on any and every measure that is brought to the Senate floor for debate. Yet, the Resolution offered by Senator Murkowski, a member of the minority party, with co-sponsors who are mostly members of the minority party, suppresses debate on this very important topic."
"Now, I would be the first one to argue in this chamber that it is the members of the legislative branch who should be setting policy concerning the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. We should be doing that. If we are serious about addressing this issue, all of us in this body should, in a bipartisan manner, debate and move forward as soon as possible on a comprehensive energy policy, including a discussion of climate change issues."
"The Senate owes it to the American people to do something other than hold a political vote on the Murkowski "Disapproval Resolution," which has zero prospects for enactment. Even if it did pass the Senate, the House Leadership has indicated that it would not bring it to the floor for a vote, and the President has issued a veto threat. Even if it did pass, it would not alleviate our well-founded uncertainty about the future."
"Many leaders in Congress and around the Nation have been hard at work for the past several years in designing federal energy legislation that will ensure a better future for America's coal miners and other workers, while also making long-overdue investments in new, high-growth American industries."
"The Congress should be debating a new energy policy that makes the best possible use of our abundant coal reserves while transitioning America into a position less dependent on foreign oil, less beholden to the special interests of giant multi-national corporations, and more responsive and proactive in meeting Americans' desire for cleaner and more abundant sources of energy. I understand that the Senate Democratic Leadership is willing to move forward on an energy bill that includes a clear-cut pre-emption for action by the Environmental Protection Agency."
"I have been working with many of my colleagues to help shape a bill that will be good for the future of coal and the coal industry in my home State of West Virginia. Having a seat at the table and being open to discussions on these matters has enabled me to add provisions relating to clean coal technologies, job creation, and transitions to new jobs to proposed legislation. And I have secured commitments to provide billions of dollars for constructing the next generation of cleaner coal-fired power plants, and am currently negotiating for billions more to support businesses and job creation in the West Virginia region, as well as to improve highways, broadband access, and other critical infrastructure and economic development services for the people, entrepreneurs, and businesses that will make West Virginia stronger in the future. These provisions are beneficial for my home state of West Virginia and for the people of the entire Appalachia region."
"The Murkowski "Disapproval Resolution" overturns the "endangerment finding." This in essence is like voting to assert that there is no climate change or global warming going on, and to dismiss scientific facts that already exist. As I have pointed out before, to deny the mounting science of climate change is to stick our heads in the sand and say "deal me out." West Virginia needs to stay at the table, as should all Senators who have concerns about our energy policy."
"Finally, mark my words, the regulation of greenhouse gasses is approaching, whether done by Congress or by regulation, despite naysayers who rail about the non-existence of climate change."
"This Resolution, I fear, would have a sweeping impact. It could preclude action to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. It could delay critical investments in clean coal technologies. That's not a national energy strategy I can or want to support. My vote today against the Murkowski Resolution is a vote for coal's future and my intention to continue to have a seat at the table and a voice for West Virginia in how we legislate our energy future."
Senator Byrd's support of the Lieberman Amendment draws praise from Fairness West Virginia:
Charleston, WV-Fairness West Virginia (Fairness), the statewide Lesbian and Gay advocacy organization, applauds Sen. Robert Byrd for supporting the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Sen. Byrd just announced that he will support the legislation in the Senate Armed Forces Committee which will send the repeal to the Senate floor.
"Sen. Byrd takes a bold step to end the immoral and unjust practice of forcing dedicated American service members to lie about who they are," said Stephen Skinner, president of Fairness West Virginia. "We commend Sen. Byrd for his leadership on this important issue, and we urge the rest of the Congressional delegation to stand beside him."
"Sen. Byrd recognizes that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' runs counter to the military values of honor and integrity," said Skinner. "West Virginians are increasingly recognizing the basic humanity of all its citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. Sen. Byrd is recognizing that the courageous and patriotic gay Americans who are willing to die for their country deserve to serve with dignity and without fear."
Working with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Fairness organized town hall meetings across the state to educate the public about the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Fairness supporters have submitted hundreds of letter and emails, and made hundreds of calls to Sen. Byrd's office urging him to support repeal. Along with HRC, Fairness coordinated direct advocacy in Washington and Charleston, aimed at obtaining Senator Byrd's support for the repeal.
Fairness was launched nearly 14 months ago to advocate on behalf of all LGBT West Virginians in Charleston and Washington. Fairness also helped lobby for the Mathew Shepard Hate Crimes law which received support from the entire West Virginia delegation in Washington.
Often you have stood on the right side of history. Here is another chance for you to do that. Please support the Lieberman Amendment. The American people are overwhelmingly in favor of allowing gays to serve openly in the military. You have served our country so well for so long. Please give other Americans the chance to serve our country, too.
"As we seek to understand how and why the Upper Big Branch disaster occurred, we might also re-examine conventional wisdom about the future of the coal industry in our state." U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd.
The recent explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine in my home county of Raleigh, which killed 29 West Virginians and injured 2 others, has brought West Virginia statewide sorrow and worldwide attention.
Reflecting on President John F. Kennedy's death, Robert F. Kennedy once said, 'Tragedy is a tool for the living to gain wisdom.'
As we seek to understand how and why the Upper Big Branch disaster occurred, we might also re-examine conventional wisdom about the future of the coal industry in our state.
Americans depend mightily on our coal to meet their energy needs. Coal is the major source of electricity in 32 states, and produces roughly half of all the electricity consumed in the United States.
As West Virginians, our birthright is coal. The ancient fossil is abundant here, and is as emblematic of our heritage and cultural identity as the black bear, the cardinal, and the rhododendron.
Indeed, the coal severance tax codifies the philosophy that the coal belongs to all West Virginians, and that they deserve meaningful compensation for its extraction. This philosophy has also been embraced nationwide, through the Black Lung Excise Tax, the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee, and several other existing and proposed programs that provide additional compensation to the people and places that produce our coal, oil, gas, and other energy resources.
Coal brings much needed jobs and revenue to our economy. But the industry has a larger footprint, including inherent responsibilities that must be acknowledged by the industry.
First and foremost, the coal industry must respect the miner and his family. A single miner's life is certainly worth the expense and effort required to enhance safety. West Virginia has some of the highest quality coal in the world, and mining it should be considered a privilege, not a right. Any company that establishes a pattern of negligence resulting in injuries and death should be replaced by a company that conducts business more responsibly. No doubt many energy companies are keen for a chance to produce West Virginia coal.
The industry of coal must also respect the land that yields the coal, as well as the people who live on the land. If the process of mining destroys nearby wells and foundations, if blasting and digging and relocating streams unearths harmful elements and releases them into the environment causing illness and death, that process should be halted and the resulting hazards to the community abated.
The sovereignty of West Virginia must also be respected. The monolithic power of industry should never dominate our politics to the detriment of local communities. Our coal mining communities do not have to be marked by a lack of economic diversity and development that can potentially squelch the voice of the people. People living in coal communities deserve to have a free hand in managing their own local affairs and public policies without undue political pressure to submit to the desires of industry.
We have coal companies in West Virginia which go out of their way to operate safely and with minimal impact on our environment. Those companies should be commended and rewarded.
But the coal industry has an immensely powerful lobby in Washington and in Charleston. For nearly a hundred years they have come to our presidents, our members of Congress, our legislators, our mayors, and our county commissioners to demand their priorities. It is only right that the people of West Virginia speak up and make the coal industry understand what is expected of it in return.
The old chestnut that 'coal is West Virginia's greatest natural resource' deserves revision. I believe that our people are West Virginia's most valuable resource. We must demand to be treated as such.
Good afternoon, WvaBlue readers. This is your afternoon open thread to discuss all things Hill-related. Use this thread to praise or bash Congresscritters, share a juicy tip, ask questions, offer critiques and suggestions, or post manifestos.
As always, this is a crosspost from Congress Matters and I will refrain from my routine claim that this is the most important news of the day. That would be the what is happening in your own house this time of the year.
Sen. Byrd did not miss the vote today either, even thought it was finally just a majority wins event. His thoughts went to his friend Edward M. Kennedy.
It is importannt for people of this state to remember that on many important issues - from the rush to the Iraq war to the imperial presidency of George W. Bush to the need for honest discussion on mountaintop removal and the future of coal - Senator Robert C. Byrd has been a thoughtful and foresighted leader.
Senator Byrd is not a senator resting on his laurels, but one still looking ahead to what is best for our state and for our nation.
So when I see the braying Bray Cary and the coal barons' favorite sycophant Roman Stauffer criticize Senator Byrd, West Virginia Democrats should remember how right Senator Byrd has been on other important, major issues when he flew against the prevailing winds of the state.
The people of the nation and the state would have been much better off if they had listened to Senator Byrd's words in 2003 about the rush to war just as they should pay heed to his words today of the need for honest brokers when it comes to the future of coal.
Senator Byrd has made many foes in this state with his stance. Not that a giant like "Big Daddy" needs it, but I have Senator Byrd's back.
There is a reason Senator Robert C. Byrd is known as Big Daddy.
Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today announced that a new $328 million Biometrics Technology Center is slated for construction on the campus of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg.
The joint FBI and Department of Defense (DOD) facility will serve as a center of excellence for research, development, and application of biometrics in support of national security and law enforcement. The 360,000 square-foot, four-story building will nearly double the space capacity of the existing 2,500-employee FBI CJIS Division campus. Once completed, it will also enable the FBI to consolidate all of its biometrics operations, many of which are in satellite facilities in Fairmont, and will accommodate nearly 2,000 employees.
"This joint effort will further enhance our efforts in fighting the global war on terrorism," said a delighted Byrd. "And for the State of West Virginia, it will provide construction jobs and, once the building is completed, will provide the space for the FBI CJIS Division to expand employment opportunities as new advances in biometrics research emerge. This new facility will be a major shot in the arm as we continue to seek ways to diversify West Virginia's economy."
Once completed, it will allow the FBI CJIS Division, which already has the largest centralized collection of biometric information in the world, and the Department of the Army, which has also developed military biometrics database systems in coordination with the FBI, to make advances into other identification technologies, such as DNA, iris, palm prints, and facial recognition. The Biometrics Technology Center will include a Conference Training Center, which will allow the FBI CJIS Division to provide in-house biometric training to their law enforcement partners.
These enhancements will provide further opportunities to positively identify individuals and prevent terrorists, criminals, and other ineligible individuals from entering the United States, thus improving our border security.
Daniel D. Roberts, Assistant Director of the CJIS, stated, "This project epitomizes the continuing cooperative effort between Senator Byrd and the FBI to ensure the safety of American citizens. Working with our Department of Defense partners, this facility will equip the law enforcement and defense communities with the latest biometric technology for use in the war on terror and to fight violent crime in the United States."
Dr. Myra Gray, Executive Manager, Department of Defense Biometrics Task Force, added, "As long time partners with the FBI, we are thrilled to be working with them on the development of the Biometrics Technology Center, which will be located in Clarksburg, WV. It is designed to be a world-class facility that will provide even greater collaboration and efficiencies for the research and use of biometric technologies across the federal government. The successes we have realized utilizing biometrics to aid the Warfighters in identifying known and suspected terrorists have significantly advanced our defense capabilities. Biometrics have also provided DoD greater resources by which to ensure that our personnel, facilities and installations worldwide are safe and secure thanks to advanced ways to confirm and verify individual identity."
Byrd has worked with FBI and DOD officials for several years to help bring this project to fruition. A construction contract is expected to be awarded in fall 2010 with a projected completion date of 2013.
Good afternoon, WV Blue readers. This is your afternoon open thread to discuss all things Hill-related. Use this thread to praise or bash Congresscritters, share a juicy tip, ask questions, offer critiques and suggestions, or post manifestos.
As always, this is a crosspost from Congress Matters. This is the most important news of the day... okay, maybe only some of it. So if you disagree, go watch CSPAN, the banks still own the place. Omnibus passed the House but there was no agreement in the Senate, so watch your government in neutral on CSPAN2.
Here's some of my own thoughts, shorterTM version today.
If you don't like them come to Drinking Liberally Friday, 11 DEC, 8:00PM, Peking Restaurant, Martinsburg, WV. Talk among yourselves. I might be a little late due to a previous commitment. Then you can tell me to my face!
...the longest-serving member of Congress ever - a capstone on a remarkable career in which the adopted son of a coal miner propelled himself from poverty to the pinnacle of legislative power, where he could, did and still does send billions of federal dollars back across the Blue Ridge to help build his home state of West Virginia.
Byrd's stat sheet speaks for itself:
• Served 20,774 days - or 56 years and 10½ months - in Congress
WASHINGTON - West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd has become the longest-serving lawmaker in congressional history, a milestone to be marked Wednesday with a Senate resolution.
"I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days," Byrd said in a statement marking the occasion. His only regret, Byrd said, was that his late wife, Erma, was not there with him.
"I know that she is looking down from the heavens smiling at me and saying congratulations, my dear Robert - but don't let it go to your head," Byrd said.
Update by Carnacki
Former Byrd staffer and now U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV03):
"Senator Robert C. Byrd has made a career of setting the standard for his fellow Members of Congress to emulate and today, he has, again, set the bar of Congressional service one notch higher."
"This is a history-making day. But Senator Byrd's record-setting achievement is not gauged best by the number of years, days, and hours he has spent in office - though he could tell us to the minute. It is, instead, more correctly measured by the wealth of hope his work has generated, the vast number of lives his efforts have touched and improved, and the multiple generations of citizens his struggles from virtual orphan to the heights of political power have inspired."
"His work, in short, has been monumental. His efforts have provided for public services and fundamental structures - modern highways, safer bridges, veterans centers, clean water systems - but these fall far short of the greatest and most lasting monument that he has given the people of West Virginia, his devotion and tireless work to make their lives richer."
"I am proud and awed - though not in the least surprised - to be able to congratulate West Virginia's senior Senator on becoming the longest serving Member in the history of the U.S. Congress. And I look forward to many more record-breaking years of Robert C. Byrd serving in the U.S. Senate and setting a wise and fruitful course for the future of West Virginia and the Nation."
United Mine Workers of America:
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:
"For nearly 57 years, Sen. Robert C. Byrd has represented the people of West Virginia with the kind of courage, conviction and strength rarely seen in the history of American politics. His stature in Congress ranks with the finest legislators our nation has ever produced. That is not only due to his tenure as the longest-serving member of Congress in the history of our nation, but even more so to his immense skills as a legislator, orator and leader.
"He has been, and remains, the best friend coal miners and their families have ever had in Congress. From continually fighting for better health and safety in America's mines to ensuring that our nation kept its promise of health care to retired miners and their widows, Sen. Byrd's eloquent voice and masterful legislative skills have meant that millions of miners and their families have had a better, more secure life during his tenure in Washington.
"One doesn't have to travel very far anywhere in West Virginia to see specific and concrete examples of Sen. Byrd's dedication to our state. Indeed, the reason one can travel with ease at all in many parts of West Virginia is due to Sen. Byrd's efforts to improve the transportation network throughout the state.
"It is no stretch at all to say that the lives of all West Virginian have been improved because we had the good sense to send Robert C. Byrd to Washington to fight for us for the last 57 years. I look forward to continuing to work with him as we struggle to meet the many challenges that face UMWA members and all West Virginians today. With Sen. Byrd on our side, we will prevail."
(Bumped as a reminder about today's milestone. - promoted by Clem Guttata)
From an email:
To commemorate U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd becoming the longest-serving Congressional member in history on Nov. 18, 2009, Gov. Joe Manchin is joining members of the Legislature, congressional staff members and fellow West Virginians to pay tribute, celebrate and recognize the many accomplishments of the state's senior senator.
"On Nov. 18, a West Virginian breaks all records and makes history," Manchin said. "Sen. Byrd sets the gold standard for what it means to be an outstanding public official, and next week he will reach a historic national milestone for length of service.
"Sen. Byrd is a man of the people who fights tirelessly for us every single day in Washington. West Virginians are so thankful for Sen. Byrd's service to our state and this ceremony gives us an opportunity to applaud his efforts. Gayle and I invite all West Virginians to participate in this very special day."
The celebration starts at 3 p.m. next Wednesday, Nov. 18 with a speaking program in front of the senator's statue on the second floor Rotunda of the State Capitol. The speaking program will include: Governor Joe Manchin, Judge Blane Michael, Charleston Attorney Ned Rose, Director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies Ray Smock, and Anne Barth, State Director for Senator Robert C. Byrd, who is expected to deliver a message from the senator.
The ceremony is followed by an exhibit that highlights the senator's accomplishments and includes photos from throughout his distinguished career, his beloved fiddle and other personal memorabilia. The ceremony and exhibit are free and open to the public.
Fairness WV's statement on today's historic Senate vote on the passage of the Hate Crimes Bill is at the fairnesswv.org site. This is the first piece of major legislation to recognize the entire LGBT community. It allows US Attorneys to prosecute crimes that might not otherwise be prosecuted by local law enforcement because of stereotypes and prejudice. Fairness thanks out entire congressional delegation for supporting the bill. Although Senator Byrd was not present for the final vote for the bill, he voted for cloture earlier in the day. Senator Rockefeller, Congresswoman Capito, Congressman Mollohan, and Congressman Rahall all voted for the bill. Fairness WV lobbied all five of our federal legislators.
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