Kentucky Lawmakers Approve Bill Stripping Governor of Role in Filling Senate Vacancy

On Thursday, Kentucky lawmakers approved a bill that would change the process for filling a U.S. Senate seat vacancy in the state. The bill effectively removes the Democratic governor from the decision-making process and calls for a special election to fill any future vacancies.

Direct Voice of the People

The bill, passed with a 34-3 vote in the state Senate, aims to ensure that the people have a direct say in determining who fills a Senate vacancy. According to Republican Senate President Robert Stivers, this approach would give the public a voice in the process.

Override Possibility

If Governor Andy Beshear vetoes the bill, the GOP supermajority legislature could override it when they reconvene in mid-April. Beshear has criticized the measure as being driven by partisanship, but the legislature appears poised to move forward with the bill despite his objections.

Legislation Details

The bill's primary sponsor, Republican House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, emphasized that the measure is not specifically about Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, but rather a reflection of long-standing policy views on how to address a vacant Senate seat. The bill includes an emergency clause, ensuring immediate implementation upon enactment into law.

Historical Context

Steven Rudy has expressed that the inspiration for this bill dates back over a decade to the conviction of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, whose crimes included attempting to sell an appointment to a Senate seat. The bill aims to align the process for filling a Senate vacancy with that of congressional or legislative seats in Kentucky.

Impact on Governor's Role

Governor Beshear's influence over selecting a senator has already been significantly reduced by previous legislation. In 2021, the governor's independent power to temporarily fill a Senate seat was removed, limiting the selection to a three-name list provided by party leaders of the same party as the former senator. Both of Kentucky’s U.S. senators are Republicans.