Some people tend to dismiss how it’s the Senate itself that judges the qualification of anyone to be sworn in, including the existence of a vacancy at all. But many just want to see Beshear “strike manly blows” even if it’s known to be hopeless, to borrow Jefferson Davis’ phrase.
The theory presented on the John Oliver show was that Thomas hates his job and would have quit decades ago if not for the (inexplicably legal) bribes and gifts he receives from GOP-aligned billionaires. If it was deemed necessary by the party for him to resign, Thomas would happily do so (in return for the continued tribute from his wealthy Republican “friends”.)
Except that the bribes being legal is completely explicable: They’re legal because the person deciding whether they’re legal is, ultimately, Clarence Thomas. If he were to leave his position, then some other court might realize that of course it was illegal, and lock him up.
I don’t think he’s at any real risk of criminal prosecution for taking bribes.
But i suspect that now that his wing is in power, he’s enjoying the power and wants to keep it.
The reason for him to leave in the lame duck session is so Trump can replace him with someone like-minded when it comes to things like corruption.
I don’t think Mitch is going to be leaving the Senate before the end of the term, unless he actually dies. I’m pretty sure “comatose” doesn’t create an opening.
I’m with Smapti, i have no problem with a non-voting senator in a seat that is realistically going to stay red.
Except that Thomas’s view isn’t “supreme court justices taking bribes is OK”. His view is “Clarence Thomas taking bribes is OK”.
Good point.
It kind of is, though. The health updates we’re getting are likely to be chosen either by Mitch in real time, Mitch’s previously documented instructions, or his designated medical power of attorney. His staff may know little more than we do.