Sen. Robert Byrd, the 91-year-old West Virginia Democrat who has been a senator longer than anyone in history, has been hospitalized the past month for an infection. His office has not returned calls asking for specifics about his health.

But Democrats back home are discussing what-ifs.

 

Phil Kabler, a reporter for the Charleston Gazette, says that Byrd's health "has prompted some quiet, behind-the-scenes discussions in the event the senator is unable to return to office."

I understand Gov. Joe Manchin met with state Democratic Party chairman Nick Casey last week, with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on a conference call to discuss contingencies.

As noted before, Casey is generally regarded as the consensus choice to serve as a placeholder for Byrd's Senate seat in the event Byrd would have to step down prior to the 2010 elections.

However, former Gov. Gaston Caperton was in town earlier this month to meet with Manchin, sparking speculation that he might be under consideration for that role. ...

Caperton in the past has told friends he has no interest in being a U.S. senator, but that was in the context of running for the office. A brief one- or two-year term as U.S. senator might be a nice capstone on Caperton's career as a public servant.

Some statehouse regulars are lamenting that Byrd did not opt to retire in 2006, when he could have enjoyed his status as an elder statesman on the lecture and banquet circuit in what undoubtedly would have been the greatest "retirement tour" in state history.

Thre has long been talk about Byrd's longevity and when it would be appropriate to start discussing a successor. "JBdem4usa" writes this on the West Virginia Blue blog:

Byrd should maybe step down: He's been in bad shape this year, we almost lost him a couple of times or so it seems. I know I shouldn't say this but maybe it's time he thought about stepping down so he can enjoy some retirement before he leaves us for good. God knows he deserves some retirement after all these years. I hope whoever takes over retains much of his staff as they are an excellent bunch. I'm not sure we need to vote on it since they've already got a good (coal man) dem party leader to jump in when and if the good senator retires to serve out his term (so Joe can run at the appropriate time).

On the same blog, "wv voice of reason" dreads the thought of Gov. Manchin succeeding Byrd:

I and so many others are tired of the idea that we are ultimately stuck with "Senator Manchin". Because of his tragic environmental record and various shady dealings, he is disliked throughout WV. Progressive Democrats nationwide would certainly not want to see him in the Senate and would likely support an alternative. What a step down from the eloquent, Constitutionally knowlegeable, principled Robert Byrd!

Tags: Washington Senators