FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kentucky on Friday removed the Democratic governor from any role filling future U.S. Senate vacancies — a move supporters said was unrelated to recent scrutiny about the health of the state’s senior senator, Republican leader Mitch McConnell. The GOP supermajority Legislature easily overrode Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of the measure. The legislation calls for a special election to fill any Senate vacancy from the Bluegrass State. The special election winner would hold the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term. “The people should decide who a United States senator is by election always,” House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, a Republican and the bill’s lead sponsor, said during a brief House debate Friday. The Senate succession bill moved through the Legislature at a time of pending transition for the 82-year-old McConnell. In February, the venerable Kentucky senator announced he will step down from his longtime Senate leadership position in November. |
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry remain tied for lead in the Zurich Classic of New OrleansUN investigators probe 14 Gaza aid staffers Israel had tied to Hamas' Oct. 7 attackShota Imanaga continues impressive MLB start, raising record to 4Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker reveal touching meaning behind the name of their fourth sonMy body is 70% covered by tattoosTemporary farmworkers get more protections against retaliation and other abuses under new ruleWoman pleads guilty to being accessory in fatal freeway shooting of 6Outfielder Tommy Pham returns to major leagues with the MLBSilver economy sees more talent, infrastructure supportNFL to allow players to wear protective soft