Meehan (D-MA) to submit resignation letter May 9

[MaineDem]

Source: Boston Globe/AP

WASHINGTON --U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan, who is leaving Congress to become chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, said Monday he will submit his letter of resignation on May 9, setting the stage for a September primary in the special election to replace him.

The timing of Meehan's resignation letter is important because its submittal triggers the calendar for a special election to replace him. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick must call the election to fill Meehan's 5th Congressional District seat between 145 days and 160 days of when the letter is submitted.

Several candidates already have lined up to run to replace the Lowell Democrat. Meehan said his letter would formally set July 1 as the date he resigns from Congress.

Meehan said the May 9 submission date would insure a September primary for the special election. Meehan said he spoke last week with Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin, who said a September primary would draw more voters than one in the summer when many people are on vacation.

Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/04/02/meehan_to_submit_resignation_letter_may_9/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News

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It's a pretty safe Dem district. Paul Tsongas' widow has a pretty good shot at winning the Special.

[EST]

1. What I would like to know is how much money was contributed

by loyal democrats to get him elected and whether or not Meehan feels any responsibility to those who supported him in being elected?

The additional costs to create a special election replacing a representative who is voluntarily resigning to take another job should be borne by that representative.

In my mind, this shows a complete lack of personal responsibility and should preclude this person from ever getting, or ever running for, any other public position.

[MethuenProgressive]

2. Like most who know him, I support Marty Meehan's choice.

He'll be great at ULowell! Niki Tsongas is a terrific person, I hope she wins!

[EST]

9. I must admit to being somewhat mollified, with the various

supportive posts. Perhaps it has something to do with having a shitty day, or not, but I am not possessed of a lot of patience for politicians, especially those who totally forget that their duty is to the people, all the people, not just the greedy, well-heeled ones.
In this case, apparently, there is no egregious neglect nor thoughtless pursuit of personal goals at the expense of the voting public. Thanks for filling me in.

[MaineDem]

3. If I remember correctly, he said he'd only serve two terms

And I think he's on his third or so.

[Raven]

5. Right, he said two terms...I agree with EST, his campaign chest

should go to pay for the special election or to some charity.

[MaineDem]

6. I tend to agree

I wonder what he has in his war chest.

[SoFlaJet]

4. I doubt his seat was even contested

just like my representative...the GOP didn't even bother putting anyone up against Wexler

[hughee99]

8. I believe he was unopposed in both

the primary and the GE.

[salin]

7. Tsongas was my favorite in 92.

If his widow holds the same economic views (esp the importance of reinvesting in our manufacturing/industrial infrastructure as a means for rebuilding our economy - even more important in 06 than it was in 92 - given that we hae lost a great deal of self-sufficiency as a nation) - than I will send contributions if/when she gets in the race.