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Ben Smith: Senator Spitzer?
Our friend Ben Smith writes about an intriguing, if completely unlikely scenario: Eliot Spitzer as a replacement for Hillary in the Senate.
Now, Spitzer-stalgia isn't entirely unknown among New York Democrats; you hear the whispers with some frequency, especially among the more bloodthirsty, crush-your-enemies partisans.
Intriguingly, Eliot also seems to believe it's time to step back into the public eye. At least, that's what one could reasonably deduce from his long-form Op-Ed in today's Washington Post.
That said, let's not forget why Eliot left. It wasn't because of moral revulsion over his socks and the unusual use to which he put them; it was because he had zero political capital and backers left. That's not the best foundation to prevail in the unseemly horsetrading that would accompany securing that choice spot.
Second, who says Hillary wants to move to the cabinet, as Secretary of State or in any other capacity? Consider the history: The Secretaries of State of every administration since Reagan's have served only one term. Condoleeza Rice, one-termer; Colin Powell, the same; Madeline Albright and Warren Christopher; James Baker; George Schultz and Alexander Haig. From Hillary's perspective, which is arguably the only one that matters on this subject, taking that job - and serving at the pleasure of the President - is career suicide.
I don't think she'll do it, and she'd be right not to. Hillary's place is in the Senate as the foremost advocate for healthcare reform.
Hillary
Best suggestion I have heard yet for Hillary that would be excellent all around is Supreme Court. It would a.) give her a powerful position for life; b.) get her out of the way of Presidential politics; and c.) drive the right wing bonkers for decades to come. Plus several justices are eager to retire and we need good replacements and she'd be damned good at it.
Most intriguing possibility
I think the most intriguing possibility is that Hillary becomes Secretary of State, and Governor David Paterson, seeking to get the hell out of Albany before the house burns down, names himself as New York's new junior Senator. This would mean the Lt. Governor would become Governor. Except that there is no Lt. Governor. Oh well, I mean who would want to be governor now anyway, it would be like being emperor of Rome when the empire is collapsing. Pretty thanksless job at this point. You can't blame Paterson if he wants to escape to D.C. and be Senator instead of Governor.
Rome Burning
Stragest thing was that even when being Emperor was a powerless pawn of a job with a short life span, people still competed tooth and nail to win it. I am willing to bet the same would be true of NY State Gov no matter how bad things get.
As to who would replace Hillary, I am betting many people are kissing up to the Governor to be in the running. Anthony Weiner has probably expressed his interest, is my bet. He has been fairly coy about running for mayor for someone who has been running since he surrendered the 2005 primary. Nydia Velazquez is a name I have heard mentioned a couple of times. Wonder if Nadler is interested. And of course this is just the NYC folks.
My bets are not Paterson. Spitzer has the ego to want it, but I think he has pissed off too many people.
Who will make a good run against Giuliani? My bet is he runs when the term is up. Bloomberg could also be eyeing it. Who would be able to beat them?
What about a Kennedy?
Given that Hillary's Senate seat is in fact RFK's old seat, there is reasson to believe that there would be sentiment toward appointing a Kennedy as her replacement.
I am thinking Caroline Kennedy, who after all has lived in New York City for decades and has been getting more and more politically active in recent years. Replacing one of the most well known female politicians in the country with another strong, well known female just as well known might seem appropriate in some circles. Particularly since Edward Kennedy is in his twilight and the country might not like to think about the idea of a Senate without a Kennedy in it for the first time in fifty years.
I mean who would argue with Caroline Kennedy getting her Uncle Robert's Senate seat and being able to take the oath of office along side Uncle Teddy?
Hillary's Replacement
Robert Kennedy Jr would be a better fit protecting our enviroment. I like Caroline even though this is the first time I've heard her name mentioned as Hillary's replacement. Nadler has been drooling for this for years but he's not the certerist fit that's needed for New York's Junior Senator. I think upstaters will want someone from there but would accept Caroline Kennedy because of the Kennedy name. Someone I thought of and who would please both upstate and can please downstate is Louise Slaughter. The only probably maybe the fact that she's about 79 and would she want to take on the Senate at that age. Weiner I would be disappointed in seeing appointed only because he's my pick to take on Bloomberg and hopefully defeat him.
Velasquez not cut out for the Senate
I hate to say it, but Nydia Velasquez is not cut out for the US Senate. After fifteen years in the House, there are few positive things that can be said about her accomplishments. She is not an eloquent speaker, she is not a savvy legislator, building broad coalitions and passing legislation, and she is not a natural born leader that will inspire a broad section of Americans. In many ways, she is the Anti-Obama, and her selection based merely on her gender and ethnicity would be a sad step backwards.
Well
Seems that not everyone agrees with you if the Daily News is right. It seems she is one of the frontrunners for consideration.
I know her somewhat. She is popular and well liked. She is progressive and enthusiastic. Is she a leader? I don't personally know her well enough to judge. But I found her likeable and eager to get things done.
But you and I aren't making the decision at the moment. It depends first on what Obama offers Hillary, then on what Paterson decides. I don't think he is judging anyone based only on race and gender. He wants someone who can beat whatever Repub crawls out of the woodwork in the next election. I am sure Paterson will make a good choice.