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re: VA Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) Dies from Esophageal Cancer

Posted on 5/21/25 at 8:59 am to
Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 8:59 am to
quote:

So does the governor get to appoint somebody to fill his seat?



No. Take a civics class
Posted by VoxDawg
Glory, Glory
Member since Sep 2012
75340 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:27 am to
quote:

Death gratuity... is it taxed?


Tax free it would seem.

quote:

Yes, when a member of Congress dies in office, their heirs or designated beneficiaries typically receive a tax-free "death gratuity" payment equal to one year's salary, which is currently $174,000 for rank-and-file members. This tradition, dating back to at least the 1880s, is not codified in law but is provided through congressional practice, often attached to legislative branch appropriations bills. For members in leadership roles, the amount may be higher (e.g., $193,400 for majority/minority leaders or $223,500 for the Speaker of the House). These payments have sparked debate, with critics arguing they are outdated given modern life insurance options and the wealth of many members, while supporters view them as a form of survivor benefit. Since 2000, such payments have cost taxpayers over $5 million.


https://www.ntu.org/foundation/detail/an-antiquated-congressional-perk-has-cost-taxpayers-millions
Posted by Tchefuncte Tiger
Bat'n Rudge
Member since Oct 2004
62745 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:28 am to
That’s sad.
Posted by VoxDawg
Glory, Glory
Member since Sep 2012
75340 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:29 am to
I didn't know that Virginia laws on Congressional succession were taught nationwide.
Posted by SallysHuman
Lady Palmetto Bug
Member since Jan 2025
14974 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:30 am to
quote:

Tax free it would seem.


The fact that I continue to be surprised by this shite surprises me.

We need to shake this etch-a-sketch and start over.
Posted by VoxDawg
Glory, Glory
Member since Sep 2012
75340 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:35 am to
The Tree of Liberty is thirsty AF.
Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:56 am to
quote:

I didn't know that Virginia laws on Congressional succession were taught nationwide.



Virginia law has nothing to do with it. US Representatives aren't appointed by governors
Posted by VoxDawg
Glory, Glory
Member since Sep 2012
75340 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:00 am to
quote:

Virginia law has nothing to do with it.


Sounds like somebody needs a civics lesson:

quote:

If a U.S. Representative from Virginia dies while in office, the process for succession is governed by federal and state law, specifically Virginia state law, as the U.S. Constitution grants states the authority to regulate the replacement of their congressional representatives.

Key Points on Succession for a U.S. Representative from Virginia:
Vacancy Announcement: Upon the death of a Representative, a vacancy is formally recognized in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Special Election: According to Virginia law (Code of Virginia, § 24.2-209), the Governor of Virginia is required to issue a writ for a special election to fill the vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives. The special election is held to elect a new representative to serve the remainder of the deceased member’s term.

Timing: The special election must be held within a reasonable timeframe, though the exact date is set by the Governor. Virginia law allows flexibility, but the election is typically scheduled as soon as practicable, often within a few months, to minimize the period the district is without representation.

Process: The special election follows standard electoral procedures, including candidate nominations by political parties (via primaries or conventions, depending on timing) and participation by independent candidates who meet ballot access requirements.

No Temporary Appointment: Unlike U.S. Senate vacancies, where the Governor of Virginia can appoint a temporary replacement until a special election (pursuant to Virginia Code § 24.2-211), there is no provision for appointing a temporary replacement for a U.S. House seat. The seat remains vacant until the special election is held and a new representative is elected.

Eligibility: The new representative must meet the constitutional requirements for a U.S. House member (at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of Virginia at the time of election, per Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution).

Term: The person elected in the special election serves the remainder of the original representative’s two-year term. If the vacancy occurs close to the end of the term, the special election may be scheduled to coincide with the next general election, and the winner may serve both the remainder of the current term and the new term if re-elected.



I should note that I never attested that the Governor of VA is the one appointing the vacancy. VA law dictates that. My overarching point is that federal civics education wouldn't inform anyone as to what is supposed to happen in this circumstance, either. It's entirely up to each state to decide.

In this case, the Gov. sets a special election date, but it's PER VIRGINIA LAW. There are no federal rules for succession.
This post was edited on 5/21/25 at 10:03 am
Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:01 am to
quote:

Sounds like somebody needs a civics lesson:



Did you even read what you copied?

The governor sets the date for a special election. He doesn't make an appointment.
Posted by SallysHuman
Lady Palmetto Bug
Member since Jan 2025
14974 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:07 am to
quote:

The governor sets the date for a special election. He doesn't make an appointment.


In *that* state.

Not all states work the same way.
Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:09 am to
quote:

I should note that I never attested that the Governor of VA is the one appointing the vacancy. VA law dictates that. My overarching point is that federal civics education wouldn't inform anyone as to what is supposed to happen in this circumstance, either. It's entirely up to each state to decide.

In this case, the Gov. sets a special election date, but it's PER VIRGINIA LAW. There are no federal rules for succession.


You're wrong again. The Constitution mandates how a US Representative is replaced when a vacancy occurs. Specifically, Article I, Section 2, Clause 4 states that when vacancies happen in the House, the "Executive Authority" (usually the Governor) of the state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. This means that when a Representative dies, resigns, or is otherwise unable to serve, the state's governor will call for a special election to choose a replacement
Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:09 am to
quote:

In *that* state.

Not all states work the same way.


In no state is a US Representative appointed by the governor.
Posted by NashBamaFan
Nashville
Member since Mar 2011
3115 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:12 am to
quote:

Ostrich


Get fricked, man. You aren’t better than anyone else.
Posted by LSUSkip
Central, LA
Member since Jul 2012
24717 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:12 am to
quote:

why do politicians spend their very last days in office?


This was the exact thing I was coming to ask. Far be it for me to tell someone what they should do with their life, but it just feels to me that it's a ruling class mentality. If I die in office, then the person appointed to replace me would have to be someone I chose right? At least consideration would be given, so in life I'm like a king, and in death, a king-maker. That's the only thing I can figure. You don't lose health benefits, and your circle of friends could keep you more than wealthy. It's all ego.
Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:13 am to
quote:

Get fricked, man. You aren’t better than anyone else.



Posted by SallysHuman
Lady Palmetto Bug
Member since Jan 2025
14974 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:13 am to
quote:

In no state is a US Representative appointed by the governor.


My bad, I was mistaken.

Google says
quote:

Unlike the Senate, where a governor can sometimes appoint a temporary replacement, the Constitution mandates that House vacancies are filled by special election.

Posted by Ostrich
Alexandria, VA
Member since Nov 2011
10165 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:15 am to
quote:

My bad, I was mistaken.

Google says
quote:
Unlike the Senate, where a governor can sometimes appoint a temporary replacement, the Constitution mandates that House vacancies are filled by special election.


This is correct.
Posted by dickkellog
little rock
Member since Dec 2024
1929 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:16 am to
just think 2 days ago he was tweeting and two days later he's burning in eternal damnation!
Posted by RoDee
Harvey
Member since Nov 2011
407 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:17 am to
quote:

quote:
why do politicians spend their very last days in office?

I'll never understand this.


Addicted to power.


Not saying this of Gerry Connolly. For some politicians, it is a religion and they are demi-gods. They want the power and the adulation..
Posted by roadGator
Member since Feb 2009
154721 posts
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:20 am to
He’s been in that seat since 2009.

The founders would be shocked that politics is a profession.
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