How many Senate seats could Obama flip by appointments?

[TransitJohn]

And which are feasible?

[NoodleBoy]

1. Zero-- the president has no power of appointment regarding Congress.

And, it's hell of unethical to use the misfortune of an elected official to reverse the mandate of the voters.

[harun]

3. This person is asking what Senators, if picked for the cabinet,

would result in a flipped seat. As in which of these Dem Senators, if picked, would have their successors appointed by Republicans.

[Swede Atlanta]

2. Ditto - Zero

Senators represent the states, not the country. If a senator dies, resigns, etc. during his or her term, state law will govern how a replacement is selected to serve out the current term. Some state laws/constitutions require a special election others allow the governor to name the replacement.

[Renew Deal]

4. I think you guys are missing the point.

If Obama strategically picked someone, it could flip a seat to the Democratic side.

[jmowreader]

6. They're talking about exploiting the state laws

The question is, are there any states that allow governors to select replacements for senators who can't finish out their senate terms, that have Democratic governors and Republican senators? The answer is, probably.

[ps1074]

5. Maine may be

If he offers Collins or Snowe a cabinet position and then a special election is held or the gov appoint a democrat or a very liberal republican...

[Ozma]

7. New Hampshire? Dem Governor, one Repub Senator left.

Appoint Judd Greg, R from NH to the cabinet.... Governor Lynch will appoint a Dem to the Senate.

[leftofcool]

8. Maybe all of them. Obama could reverse the people's vote

great idea! (sarcasm)