U.S. Senator's

Let's look at a debate that has broken out now in Congress since the death of Sen.Kennedy. That is how Massachusetts will select Sen. Kennedy's replacement. Under Massachusetts law the has to be a special election no sooner than 145 days and no later than 160 days. Which is uncommon since a big majority of states now would fill this seat with appointment i.e. Gov. Charlie Crist's appointment of George Limieux to replace retired Sen. Mel Martinez. This happens often for one reason or another. Some states have provisions that a governor must appoint a replacement from the same party as the previous office holder. Massachusetts does not have this provision setting up what could be a free-for-all senate race.
My opinion is that the Massachusetts law is the right way to do it. I do not like governor's having the ability to potentially change the dynamics of the U.S. Senate but just one appointment that seems very un-republican and not even close to being democratic.