Cross Posted at Legal Schnauzer
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) might be planning to step down shortly after the November elections, allowing outgoing Governor Bob Riley to appoint himself to the seat, according to a report from Washington Update radio.
Bill Barnes, the Democratic candidate for Shelby's seat, raised the issue in an interview with D.C.-based lawyer and journalist Andrew Kreig. Barnes is a heavy underdog against the well-financed Shelby campaign, but he said the veteran senator has been unresponsive to the concerns of Alabamians affected by the BP oil spill.
Barnes also said the 76-year-old Shelby reportedly has health concerns and might have no intention of completing a six-year term, meaning Bob Riley could serve as a stealth candidate for the GOP. Reports Kreig:
In an exclusive interview on the Washington Update radio show. Barnes said his Republican opponent Richard Shelby has shown scant interest in the plight of Alabama's victims of the oil tragedy. In response to a listener call, Barnes also raised for the first time in the campaign widespread suspicions among Alabama Democrats that Shelby's own health might encourage him to resign shortly after the election to enable Alabama Gov. Bob Riley to name himself as successor before his term expires in January.
"It's a strong possibility that Mr. Shelby, Sen. Shelby is suffering from some health issues," Barnes said, noting that Shelby has made few campaign appearances. "Gov. Riley has been in the media quite regularly, drawing a lot of attention to himself, it appears. And I often wonder in my own mind, what's the angle? Is he my true opponent?"
Alabama, like most states, allows a governor to appoint a replacement to a vacant Senate seat. Riley, who will leave office in January 2011, could appoint himself.
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