Carte Goodwin Clears Path for Senate to Extend Unemployment Benefits

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"Democrats have a chance to extend unemployment benefits, now that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin has appointed his former aide, Carte Goodwin, to replace the late Sen. Robert Byrd. The party cannot expect Goodwin to support climate change legislation that puts a price on carbon, however.

Manchin announced Friday afternoon that Goodwin, 36, will be sworn in as the youngest senator in office to fill the seat left vacant by Byrd, who was the oldest senator in office when he died last month at the age of 92.

Goodwin confirmed that he will not run to continue representing the state in the special election expected to take place this November. Manchin has said he is interested in running. Goodwin did, however, say he is ready to make the most of his short term.

"I'm anxious to roll my sleeves up," he said.

His vote will prove critical in the first hour of his service in the Senate, said Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the senior senator from West Virginia. Goodwin will be sworn in on Tuesday afternoon, and minutes later, the Senate intends to vote on extending unemployment benefits, a proposal that has so far been blocked by a Republican filibuster.

"Carte Goodwin will make the 60th vote in what is a very necessary piece of legislation," Rockefeller said. "We will take up and pass unemployment legislation."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20010823-503544.html

[Spazito]

1. Excellent news!

Recommended.

[ecmphd]

2. It's about time

I'm happy to hear about his appointment, but more than happy to see the extension of benefits that has been blocked by the Republicans. Hopefully, the blockage by the Republicans can be used as fodder for 527 ads in the fall to help in the fall elections.

[opihimoimoi]

3. Isn't it nice to see progress made to help those in dire need. The GOP should be spanked for opposin

the effort with their group NO

This is very good news for those unfortunate Americans w/o jobs

[Hubert Flottz]

7. I lived right down the road from this guy several years ago.

There are some good DEMOCRATS in Jackson County West Virginia. I think this lad will do us proud.

[opihimoimoi]

12. Good Peeps are everywhere.....we need MORE

[AlinPA]

4. Who is the republican voting for cloture?

[karynnj]

5. Both maine Senators - 2 are needed because Ben Nelson is not!

[AlinPA]

8. Thanks. nt

[Hubert Flottz]

9. If Ben is a democrat Joe lieberman is...

POS!

[sonias]

6. Good news for the unemployed

Carte Goodwin should roll up his sleeves and get right to work as he says.

:applause:

[LynneSin]

10. Damnit, we don't need another Ted Kaufman

There's alot of folks here in Delaware that wishes Ted would run in the special election. He's done a damn good job and he's gone in Novemember.

I think Kaufman could be Mike Castle in an election but unfortunately that won't be happening.

[karynnj]

11. I can see why they want Kauffman to stay

I've watched lots of SFRC hearings - and not surprisingly given his history - his questions and comments are excellent.