Projo Politics Blog

A bill introduced in the General Assembly by Democratic lawmakers would ask voters to amend the state constitution to let the lieutenant governor fill in for the governor when the governor is away.

The proposed legislation comes in the aftermath of storm-induced traffic that paralyzed the state several weeks ago while Governor Carcieri was in the Middle East and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts was in the state. The Journal has reported that Roberts received praise and criticism for attempting but failing to take charge while the governor was out of the country.

"In case of vacancy in the office of governor or of the governor's inability to serve, impeachment, or absence from the state, the lieutenant governor shall fill the office of governor, and exercise the powers and authority appertaining thereto, until a governor is qualified to act, or until the office is filled at the next election," the legislation in part reads.

The bill also states that if the governor and lieutenant governor are vacant for various reasons -- from an absence to a death, to impeachment or resignation -- the speaker of the house would fill in for the governor's duties.

Currently, the lieutenant governor assumes power only if the governor dies, resigns, is impeached or becomes incapacitated.

The bill, introduced yesterday, has been referred to the House Separation of Powers Committee.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and the Associated Press

Comments

Mr Bill said:

Perhaps we should all recognize that the Cool Moose Party platform had it right: why do we need a Lt Governor who has no real power or duties? And why should we worry about the Lt Governor being from the opposition party, when RI has no opposition party?

Link | January 3, 2008 4:45 PM
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