Filling vacancy may be touchy
The state's Democratic chairmanwarns Governor Almond against appointing Senator Chafee's son to fill his father's seat.
By JONATHAN SALTZMAN
Journal Staff Writer
PROVIDENCE -- It would be unfair if Governor Almond appoints Warwick Mayor Lincoln D. Chafee to fill the seat held by his late father, Sen. John H. Chafee, the chairman of the state Democratic Party said yesterday.
William J. Lynch said the governor should appoint someone as a caretaker to serve the remaining 14 months of John Chafee's term.
Political observers speculate that Almond will probably appoint Lincoln Chafee, a fellow Republican, to succeed John Chafee. The mayor was already a candidate for the seat that his father planned to vacate after retiring in January 2001.
But Lynch said incumbency for 14 months would give Lincoln Chafee an ``unfair advantage'' over the leading Democratic candidates in the race, U.S. Rep. Robert A. Weygand and former Lt. Gov. Richard Licht.
``He [Lincoln Chafee] is already an announced candidate, just like Bob Weygand and Richard Licht, and it's really a decision the people of Rhode Island should make,'' Lynch said.
Lynch said he expects the governor to name a Republican. To create a level playing field, he added, Almond should appoint someone such as Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph R. Weisberger, Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr. or Bryant College President Ronald Machtley, a former congressman.
Lynch said he was concerned that some people might consider it unseemly to discuss a possible successor before the senator is buried. He meant no disrespect and admired Chafee, he said.
``No one would understand this kind of thing more than Senator Chafee,'' he said. ``This is a guy who lived his adult life in politics.''
Almond has declined comment on an appointment, saying this week should be reserved for paying respects to the late senator. Mayor Chafee has not commented about a possible appointment.
Lisa Pelosi, a spokeswoman for the governor and a former staff member of John Chafee's, said Almond isn't discussing the matter with staff either. He has no plans to announce an appointment until next week, at the earliest.
``There has been much speculation outside of the governor's office about the successor and what would be most appropriate,'' she said. ``Those discussions have not been taking place inside the governor's office.''
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