It’s come to this
Retiring congressmen Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) and Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) contemplate the wages of political acrimony. Specifically, what to do when their members are assassinated. They’d considered the problem last fall but got nowhere. This week there is renewed urgency (Washington Post):
“We have a succession plan for the president,” Wenstrup said at a House Administration Committee hearing in September focused on political violence.
But there is no plan to easily replace one or multiple House members should the worst happen. The Constitution requires the states to pull together a special election tofill individual vacancies, something that takes anywhere from three months to sometimes a year.
When there’s a clear, large House majority for one party, such a prolonged vacancy makes little difference to the institution at large. But now, after three straight elections left one party with just single-digit control of the lower chamber, every seat can mean the difference between majority control and legislation passing or failing.
“The status quo also creates a perverse incentive for political violence through targeted killings designed to switch the majority party in the House,” Kilmer said at last fall’s hearing.
I wouldn’t have thought of that. But then I’m told I don’t have a criminal mind.
* * * * *
Have you fought dictatorship today?
The Resistance Lab
Choose Democracy
Indivisible: A Guide to Democracy on the Brink
You Have Power
Chop Wood, Carry Water
Thirty lonely but beautiful actions
Attending a Protest Surveillance Self-Defense