Draft Ron Paul for special Senate election

[Bradley in DC]

Imagine Dr. Paul in the US Senate with filibuster power...

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/tx-senate-hutchison-to-resign.html?hpid=artslot

He could run for the Senate in the special election, I think, without jeopardizing his House seat.

[Kotin]

we really should explore this more.. this could actually happen..


anyone know RP's opinion on the subject?

[0zzy]

how are we to spread the wealth?

And do you think Paul would want to?
And if so, you think he has a chance? Why would he not lose his seat? He gets to be senator for a few years, but then he'd have to do a full out campaign in a regular senate race. Think he can do that?

[bucfish]

I think RP should stay put

[Bradley in DC]

Dr. Paul ran for the senate once before (and lost in the primary to Phil Gramm).

I don't think he would run for the Senate if he had to give up his House seat. I'm hoping one of the Texans will chime in as to whether that would be true or not.

Possibly, Dr. Paul could run in the primary as a sitting House member without risking his seat. If that is the case, I don't really see a downside. Win, he moves to the senate, lose he stays in the house.

Heck, Gov. Perry could even nominate Dr. Paul as interim senator! (not that I think he would)

[bucfish]

Dr. Paul ran for the senate once before (and lost in the primary to Phil Gramm).

I don't think he would run for the Senate if he had to give up his House seat. I'm hoping one of the Texans will chime in as to whether that would be true or not.

Possibly, Dr. Paul could run in the primary as a sitting House member without risking his seat. If that is the case, I don't really see a downside. Win, he moves to the senate, lose he stays in the house.

Heck, Gov. Perry could even nominate Dr. Paul as interim senator! (not that I think he would)

He might Perry is a political whore. If he thought he could raise 6 million in a single day he would bend over for sure!

[Bradley in DC]

He might Perry is a political whore. If he thought he could raise 6 million in a single day he would bend over for sure!

Now you're thinking! Actually, me thinks he's looking at how it would help him win re-election in the primary fight with Kay Bailey.

[itshappening]

I wonder if they would give RP the nod, he's kind of statesman like and would make a great senator

[dude58677]

Which Dr. Paul? Rand Paul or Ron Paul?

[specsaregood]

If that is the case, I don't really see a downside. [/B] Win, he moves to the senate, lose he stays in the house.


But in moving to the senate he would be come in as a low-ranking member right? And how would that affect any committee assignments/power etc?

[jp5065]

Paul and Schiff in the senate together??

Sounds good to me!

[Bradley in DC]

Which Dr. Paul? Rand Paul or Ron Paul?

Did you read the OP? (hint, Texas) ;)

[0zzy]

Did you read the OP? (hint, Texas) ;)

Downside:

He serves the remainder of the senate, which I think isn't a full six years but what, 3, 2?

Then he loses the next bid for senate, so he doesn't have a house seat nor a senate seat in two years time.

or something, i dono. plus how are we supposed to spread the wealth to paul, paul, schiff and wannabe congresspeoples?

[Bradley in DC]

But in moving to the senate he would be come in as a low-ranking member right? And how would that affect any committee assignments/power etc?

Seniority does matter, yes. (The Rs don't have any power though!)

I think he would FAR more clout in the senate, all things considered.

[Bradley in DC]

Paul and Schiff in the senate together??

Sounds good to me!

How about Paul (R-TX), Paul (R-KY) and Schiff? :)

[Bradley in DC]

plus how are we supposed to spread the wealth to paul, paul, schiff and wannabe congresspeoples?

Print more? :cool:

[specsaregood]

Seniority does matter, yes. (The Rs don't have any power though!)

I think he would FAR more clout in the senate, all things considered.

But if he couldn't be on any good committee's I would think that would be a major downside, right? I mean right now he is on all the committees that are big issues for him, no? I'm not versed on how exactly committee assignments get handed out; could they just bury him away on a school lunch committee or something similar?

[Bradley in DC]

But if he couldn't be on any good committee's I would think that would be a major downside, right? I mean right now he is on all the committees that are big issues for him, no? I'm not versed on how exactly committee assignments get handed out; could they just bury him away on a school lunch committee or something similar?

These are good questions. We can't know the answer to them. How many years would he have for the rest of the term? That would help answer the question.

That said, again, senators have a lot more clout. He'd be one of 100, not one of 435. Beyond that, within the caucus, he'd be one of 40--and with close votes in the senate, both sides would need to try to make accommodations to him to win their vote (or at least not filibuster!).

[mediahasyou]

He would filibuster; then they would impeach him for getting in the way.

[0zzy]

He would filibuster; then they would impeach him for getting in the way.

probably. he'd filibuster everything!

the term would end in 2012. ENOUGH TIME TO BE PRESIDENT MATERIAL (ala obama)

[specsaregood]

These are good questions. We can't know the answer to them. How many years would he have for the rest of the term? That would help answer the question.

That said, again, senators have a lot more clout. He'd be one of 100, not one of 435. Beyond that, within the caucus, he'd be one of 40--and with close votes in the senate, both sides would need to try to make accommodations to him to win their vote (or at least not filibuster!).

Fair enough, I'm just playing the devil's advocate here because you were the one that said:

I don't really see a downside.
:D

On the flip side, if one believes there are partisan politics and that both parties are not out-right owned by TPTB, I can't think of a better way to stick it to the democrats than for Perry to nominate Paul to the Senate seat. I mean RP would stand there and call out the dem's/obama for not ending the war, civil rights violations, etc, etc, etc. He would just plain make them look bad on all their big issues that they won on last cycle. Which only really work with RP since he is one of the only republicans with any credibility on those subjects.

[itshappening]

it depends on seniority and if he can get on any good committee's!

why would he want to give up his near-ranking member status on the house financial services committee. I think Ron might well conclude he can get more done in the House

however, the fillibuster is powerful !

[Bradley in DC]

On the flip side, if one believes there are partisan politics and that both parties are not out-right owned by TPTB, I can't think of a better way to stick it to the democrats than for Perry to nominate Paul to the Senate seat. I mean RP would stand there and call out the dem's/obama for not ending the war, civil rights violations, etc, etc, etc. He would just plain make them look bad on all their big issues that they won on last cycle. Which only really work with RP since he is one of the only republicans with any credibility on those subjects.

I think Perry is looking out for Perry and might appoint Dr. Paul if he thought it would help him win his primary and re-election as governor, but I can be cynical like that.

[Bradley in DC]

it depends on seniority and if he can get on any good committee's!

why would he want to give up his near-ranking member status on the house financial services committee. I think Ron might well conclude he can get more done in the House

however, the fillibuster is powerful !

The soapbox in the senate is WAY bigger. Dr. Paul could become a fixture on the Sunday shows, etc. They generally ask senators and governors, not mere congresscritters.

[specsaregood]

The soapbox in the senate is WAY bigger. Dr. Paul could become a fixture on the Sunday shows, etc. They generally ask senators and governors, not mere congresscritters.

Of course, hasn't the good doctor been getting more media time than most senators over the past 6 months?

I'd like the idea though; I guess it would help to know more specifics....

Hell, they might even be able to sell tickets to a Dr. Paul fillibuster attempt.

[Matt Collins]

I get the impression that Ron is quite content where he is at.

However getting Ron in the Senate would be much easier these days considering how lots of the conservative GOPers have become friendly towards him lately.

[Matt Collins]

I have sent an e-mail to LadyJade to see if Ron has made an official comment on the race. Hopefully she'll respond.

[Matt Collins]

I don't think Ron has commented on this (yet?)....

[AJ Antimony]

Well, after reading through this thread, it isn't clear if this open Senate seat would be filled by appointment or special election. Probably appointment, right?

If RP gets appointed by Perry.... I dunno what to think about it.... it certainly would be awesome, but on the other hand he'd lose his House seniority and committee seats. However don't forget RP's House seniority doesn't mean anything. Remember Barney Frank's story about RP. When Republicans took the majority, he was all set to become Chairman of the Federal Reserve subcommittee... so 'they got rid' of the committee.

Anyway, if the Senate seat will be filled by special election, RP should stay put. This isn't any old Senate seat, this is a big one... a Texas Senate seat. You'll bet this will be a crowded, expensive race just to win nominations. This seat is hard enough to win, it wouldn't do RP any good to try unless he has the complete support of the Texas GOP and the people of Texas... which he doesn't.

He'll stay in the House, as he should.

[Matt Collins]

Well, after reading through this thread, it isn't clear if this open Senate seat would be filled by appointment or special election. Probably appointment, right?

If RP gets appointed by Perry.... I dunno what to think about it.... it certainly would be awesome, but on the other hand he'd lose his House seniority and committee seats. However don't forget RP's House seniority doesn't mean anything. Remember Barney Frank's story about RP. When Republicans took the majority, he was all set to become Chairman of the Federal Reserve subcommittee... so 'they got rid' of the committee.

Anyway, if the Senate seat will be filled by special election, RP should stay put. This isn't any old Senate seat, this is a big one... a Texas Senate seat. You'll bet this will be a crowded, expensive race just to win nominations. This seat is hard enough to win, it wouldn't do RP any good to try unless he has the complete support of the Texas GOP and the people of Texas... which he doesn't.

He'll stay in the House, as he should.
Wow... that was like a cold shower :(


But you might be right. I honestly don't know enough about the situation to speak on it.

[Bradley in DC]

Well, after reading through this thread, it isn't clear if this open Senate seat would be filled by appointment or special election. Probably appointment, right?

Good thoughts.

Here's what I understand--hoping someone from Texas will chime and fill us in though: Kay Bailey will step down this year, Perry will appoint an interim replacement until a special election is held next year for the remainder of her term.

*IF* he can run for the Senate without giving up his House seat, I think he should go for it.

[0zzy]

Good thoughts.

Here's what I understand--hoping someone from Texas will chime and fill us in though: Kay Bailey will step down this year, Perry will appoint an interim replacement until a special election is held next year for the remainder of her term.

*IF* he can run for the Senate without giving up his House seat, I think he should go for it.

I'm pretty sure they have that law. Or is that just President/congress, because they had it for President Johnson (well he was running for VP at the time).

[MikeStanart]

I think Paul is probably comfortable where he is. He has consistant support in his district and I question whether he would risk giving an amazing platform to speak upon for a small chance at getting a senate seat. I'm not saying we couldn't get him in a senate position; I'm just saying the establishment would throw everything against Paul in a senate run to suppress his message for several years.

[Imperial]

He'd be up against Bill White, Mayor of Houston in all likelihood. Who sadly enough has great approval in Houston and could be the only godsend for the Democrats.

Do we want to risk all that money on Ron Paul running for Senate?

[Imperial]

Good thoughts.

Here's what I understand--hoping someone from Texas will chime and fill us in though: Kay Bailey will step down this year, Perry will appoint an interim replacement until a special election is held next year for the remainder of her term.

*IF* he can run for the Senate without giving up his House seat, I think he should go for it.

I think in a special election he can technically retain his seat. In a general election or primary you can only be on ballot for one position unless the other president is POTUS if I remember right.

KBH is apparently going to resign in October or November. Perry appoints an interim until May, when the special election is around. Not sure on specific dates for primary and general special elections.

[erowe1]

Here's a Facebook group I made for this purpose way back when I heard about the possibility a year or so ago.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56214955459

I don't do anything actively to administer it. If anyone who I recognize as a genuine Ron Paul supporter wants to be added as an admin and thinks they would be interested in actively promoting the cause, let me know.

[Matt Collins]

Here's a Facebook group I made for this purpose way back when I heard about the possibility a year or so ago.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56214955459 (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56214955459)

I don't do anything actively to administer it. If anyone who I recognize as a genuine Ron Paul supporter wants to be added as an admin and thinks they would be interested in actively promoting the cause, let me know.
I'd be interested in becoming an admin in it.... at least until Ron says "no"

[Cowlesy]

interesting thread.

bump.

[Njon]

I remember discussing this before, I think either on this forum or the Daily Paul (or perhaps both). I think the problem is something with the filing deadlines making it so that Dr. Paul couldn't do it without risking his House seat.

[Bradley in DC]

I think the problem is something with the filing deadlines making it so that Dr. Paul couldn't do it without risking his House seat.

(Probably) not for a special election (depends).

http://www.ballot-access.org/2009/07/30/texas-to-hold-special-election-for-u-s-senate-in-may-2010/

[qwerty]

Could now focus on GETTING NEW PEOPLE ELECTED!

You know that we have two moneybombs coming and both MUST be succesfull!


;)

[Aratus]

rand paul & ron paul could have senate runs almost in tandem! ... if only possibly, hypothetically
any and all the moneybombs could also be sub-divided as both seek public office in a grand way!

[Matt Collins]

rand paul & ron paul could have senate runs almost in tandem! ... if only possibly, hypothetically
any and all the moneybombs could also be sub-divided as both seek public office in a grand way!Texas will be MUCH more expensive than Kentucky. And if they both fail, that could seriously put a damper on this movement.

[Imperial]

Although Lyndon Johnson was able to run in the special US Senate election on June 28, 1941, while he was a sitting member of the US House, that doesn’t help Ron Paul. Ron Paul, or any other member of the US House who wants to run for re-election in 2010 and for US Senate would be running at the time of the regularly-scheduled primary in 2010. I don’t think anyone can run simultaneously both for US Senate and US House in Texas. I think the law that let Lyndon Johnson run for vice-president simultaneously with US Senate in November 1960 (and Lloyd Bentsen in 1988) only applies to situations when one of the offices is president or vice-president.

That's from Richard Winger, who runs the website Bradley linked to and is a ballot-access expert.

There may be a legal case to allow Ron Paul to run if you could get the Texas law against it qualified to allow two runs for federal office, but that would take way too much legal effort and money to bother with.

[Bradley in DC]

That's from Richard Winger, who runs the website Bradley linked to and is a ballot-access expert.

There may be a legal case to allow Ron Paul to run if you could get the Texas law against it qualified to allow two runs for federal office, but that would take way too much legal effort and money to bother with.

Point of clarification: *if* Dr. Paul were to run and win the special election to be a US Senator (does have a nice ring to it), Dr. Paul would have to resign his House seat. He would only be running for re-election to the Senate (or conceivably election again to his former House seat, but that would make little sense).

[TaylnStorm]

I think he should give it a good go. Raise the money and give them hell!

[fedup100]

Ron Paul would be much more effective in this current political climate as a governor. He would then have the controls over a sovereign state and he would take Texas out of the union and show the rest how to do it.

He would kick ass as far as the feds in the State of Texas.

What a great role model and teacher for the whole nation as we watch the Governor of Texes rangle the feds back in their box and free the Texicans from the IRS etc: WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!

Ron Paul for Governor of Texas!!:D:D:D:D

[Aratus]

How about Paul (R-TX), Paul (R-KY) and Schiff? :)

this all could be...
more than a dream!

[Imperial]

The only way Ron Paul would run I think is if Perry appointed him. Otherwise, not worth the wasted money that we could spend on other races. If he runs he cannot be on the primary ballot for house of reps b/c the primary will be at the same time if I remember right.

Rick Perry may consider it. If Perry got the Paul endorsement or even a Medina endorsement from it he would be set for re-election.

[Brown Sapper]

Hmm. I'm seeing this as a game of chess. Instead of just moving our big pieces around this could be a great opportunity to get a pawn turned into a queen. We have Debra Medina going for the governorship, so why can't we have another faithful person go for this position? Is there anyone in Texas that could possibly run for this seat.

[fedup100]

The only way Ron Paul would run I think is if Perry appointed him. Otherwise, not worth the wasted money that we could spend on other races. If he runs he cannot be on the primary ballot for house of reps b/c the primary will be at the same time if I remember right.

Rick Perry may consider it. If Perry got the Paul endorsement or even a Medina endorsement from it he would be set for re-election.

Rick Perry is hated in Texas. I say Ron Paul for governor and Chuck Norris for lt. governor. Perry can go pound sand.

[Imperial]

Rick Perry may be hated, but the electorate as a whole only think on a short-term basis. Perry just has to be seen clamoring for states' rights and he is winning. He has actually turned the tide against Kay Bailey Hutchison. The only thing that will stop Perry now I think is Medina taking 10%-30% of the vote.

I think his name is Michael Williams that is a railroad commissioner who (I have heard) is a pretty good conservative to rally around.

[Bradley in DC]

If he runs he cannot be on the primary ballot for house of reps b/c the primary will be at the same time if I remember right.

No, this would be for a special election to fill a vacancy and would be a separate race at an earlier time than the Congressional re-election race would be.

[Bradley in DC]

Ron Paul would be much more effective in this current political climate as a governor.

Not going to happen.

[Matthew Zak]

Let's be happy that he's a Congressman, and that he's as influential as he is. If we wanted a weapon in congress, who could be more effective? He's there and that's good. Let's put new weapons in place in the senate and other seats. Let Ron do what he can where he is, and let us build him some support all over Washington.