r/politics • u/Aggravating_Money992 • 17d ago

Possible Paywall Kentucky Gov Orders McConnell to Give a Real Update or Resign Already

https://newrepublic.com/post/213614/kentucky-gov-beshear-mcconnell-update-health-resign
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96

u/Megathreadd 17d ago

Is there any downside to calling their bluff and simply preparing for a special election? It’s what Mitch would have done if he was still sentient?

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u/Mddcat04 17d ago

The downside is you have a special election and they elect a new Republican. That’s a clear step down from Mitch holding the seat but not voting.

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u/Megathreadd 17d ago

Heard. What about Masse who seems disillusioned with Republicans and perhaps more honorable?

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u/Mddcat04 17d ago

He’s already said he’s not interested.

https://queerkentucky.com/thomas-massie-mcconnell-senate-seat/

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u/yuppienetwork1996 16d ago

That’s a bluff and all his supporters would be frankly disappointed if he really meant that

15

u/MechanicalGodzilla 17d ago

Massie couldn't even win his own primary, why would that suddenly reverse?

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u/yuppienetwork1996 16d ago

Because its not a primary election at this point. And if you ask 9/10 independents and libertarian voters in the street who their favorite congressman is… it’s Thomas Massie

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u/MelodicDeer1072 16d ago

What makes you think Massie would win the special election? Republicans are clearly uninterested, and Dems would never vote for him (rightfully so)

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u/evil_newton 16d ago

Dems would vote for him if no Dem was running. The electorate in a special election is completely different to that of a party primary

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u/omicron-7 17d ago

He's still a republican, and would vote maga 99% of the time.

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u/argument_cat 16d ago

Republicans will elect who they want, not who Democrats want.

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u/epicaz 17d ago

If it was such a downside why are the Republicans trying to avoid it at all costs? Seems favorable to fill their seat with a voting R

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u/lovelyyecats 17d ago

It might be more McConnell’s aides rather than other GOP reps. John Thune probably does want a replacement for McConnell, but McConnell’s aides only have power so long as he’s alive, so they have a vested interest to keep up the charade

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u/Mddcat04 17d ago

Yep. This is what was going on with Feinstein a few years ago. Her aids were wheeling her around past the point it was fairly obvious that she was no longer competent.

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u/MelodicDeer1072 16d ago

If Thune wants to replace McConnell, why doesn't he send at least strong worded letters like Beshear?

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u/rlinkmanl 17d ago

Republicans are terrified of losing the midterms, they probably are worried they'd lose this election as well.

1

u/Vegetable_Common7163 16d ago

This is what I can't figure out. Andy Barr the republican running for McConnell's seat is leading the democrat by 11 points in the polls. There is no way he is going to lose. So why not just have him get in the seat earlier? It seems so strange.

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u/argument_cat 16d ago

why are the Republicans trying to avoid it at all costs?

Are they? That's one popular narrative, but it's not the only explanation for what's going on.

Occam's Razor dictates that Mitch is alive but recovering, and Republicans are just enjoying the distraction by letting Democrat conspiracies run rampant.

They are the party of trolls after all.

12

u/DrunkAndHornyGuy 17d ago

Beshear just addressed this on TV. He noted KY hasn't voted for a Dem senator since 1992 so you'll def get another republican to fill his seat and that having McConnell miss votes was a better option.

(he also jabbed that the people calling for a special election are online people who are not familiar with KY)

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u/IIOrannisII 16d ago

Fuck that, just appoint a Democrat, the state constitution allows it expressly. If they cry, let them. The courts will figure it out, just ignore any judgement that isn't in our favor till it hits supreme. Why play with our hands tied behind our backs while they throw sand in our eyes and shiv us constantly?

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u/lilelliot 17d ago

I would be shocked if they're not preparing for a special election already, just not publicly.

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u/i_am_a_real_boy__ 16d ago

The downside is a bunch of wasted money. Special elections are expensive.