Quirks May Cut Senate Democrats’ Majority in Lame-Duck Session
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Quirks in state election laws may reduce Senate Democrats’ majority right after the November election, making the always-difficult task of legislating during a possible lame-duck session even tougher.
The terms of Democrats Roland Burris of Illinois, Ted Kaufman of Delaware and West Virginia’s Carte Goodwin, all appointed to their seats, will expire with the Nov. 2 elections. None are on the ballot, and their successors may take office that month rather than in January when winning candidates are normally seated, state election officials said.