Here's some of the information on the Corson County Charges: COUNT I That on or about December of 2005, in the County of Corson, State of South Dakota, Ted Alvin Klaudt did commit the public offense of SECOND DEGREE RAPE (SDCL 22-22-1(2)) in that he did accomplish an act of sexual penetration with his foster daughter, A.M., through the use of force or coercion; and as to COUNT II That on or about July or August of 2006, in the County of Corson, State of South Dakota, Ted Alvin Klaudt did commit the public offense of SECOND DEGREE RAPE (SDCL 22-22-1(2)) in that he did accomplish an act of sexual penetration with his foster daughter, A.M., through the use of force or coercion; and as to COUNT III That on or about July or August of 2006, in the County of Corson, State of South Dakota, Ted Alvin Klaudt did commit the public offense of SECOND DEGREE RAPE (SDCL 22-22-1(2)) in that he did accomplish an act of sexual penetration, separate and distinct from the act alleged in Count II, with
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But if it was about what's in the best interest of the state, he'd have already stepped down.
Did you ever think that maybe you should be as compassionate toward Johnson as you are to all those unborn fetuses you want to save?
Just wondering.
I frankly am less upset than a lot of people about the fact the Johnson has stayed in office. Much of the work of a Senator is done by the staff anyway, and if anything, I'll bet the other Senators are MORE WILLING than before to help out with Sen. Johnson's issues.
As for whether or not he runs again, I believe that at this point he honestly does not know. I would guess that he would like to run, and is laying the groundwork, but has to see how he is doing a year from now. That seems like a reasonable stance.
My only complaint is with the unncecessary secrecy surrounding his recovery. I'm not one of these people who feels that the public "has a right to know" every detail. Frankly, it is entirely his business what he wants to tell us. I just don't think that, from his point of view, it makes very much sense to be so secretive. We all know people who have had stroke-like symptoms, so we know generally how he must be. I don't think the people would be shocked to learn the details - even if he and Barb simply gave one interview to a reporter. It is sort of a contrast, really, to when Barb had cancer. She was very public and forward about it, and did alot to raise awareness.
States get to determine how senators are replaced. Most allow governors to appoint whomever they want.
The exceptions are: Oregon and Washington require special elections - similar to House vacancies. Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii require the governor to appoint someone of the same political party as the previous incumbent. Utah and Wyoming also require the governor to appoint someone of the same political party as the previous incumbent, but further requires the governor to choose from a list of 3 candidates proposed by the central committee of the party of the previous incumbent (eliminates party-switching gamesmanship).
If the will of the voters is key, special elections for senators would seem to be the fairest way to go. We do it for the House already - determine the voters' will anew. Requiring a governor to appoint someone from the same political party of the incumbent would also honor the will of the voters - at least their most recent will for that particular senate seat.
The current system in South Dakota and most states for senate vacancies seems to invite political opportunism by governors (to steal a seat won by the other party). Maybe our senate succession law should be changed to serve the voters instead of the politicians.
I may just bring a bill next year.
Even tho I'm Republican and naturally would love to have Rounds appoint a Republican (speaking politically), this is in all honesty not how it should be done. There should be a new election for Senate as well as House.
And it has nothing to do with the issue of abortion BTW.
Yes, this does happen but not in this case. Does anyone know if the New Jersy Gov hit the tv media. I did hear it on the radio but nothing on Johnson. Interesting. THe media is always a day late here.
"I have compassion for Johnson. But this is being handled strictly from a political standpoint. Don't be naive."
That's your view. Of course, there's no basis for it other than pure speculation, but what does that matter.
It's also possible that he's recovering nicely and will be back on the job soon enough. I've got about as much basis for that opinion as you have for yours. Who's right? Time will tell.