The Byrd Has Flown

Nothing changes political equations like an unexpected event, or even a death that's not entirely unexpected, as is the case with Robert Byrd, who died this morning at 92. Byrd, a Democratic senator from West Virginia and a former Democratic caucus leader in the Senate, was the longest-serving U.S. Senator in history.

For now, the loss of Byrd is unlikely to create any change in the number of Democratic senators. West Virginia's Democratic governor, Joe Manchin, will likely name a replacement after the Independence Day holiday. West Virginia law allows an appointed U.S. Senator to fill an unexpired term without the benefit of a special election so long as there are two years and six months or less remaining in the term. Byrd's death technically leaves the unexpired term a few days longer than that, but after Saturday that will be academic . . . except for Republicans, to be sure. So right now, it's unclear whether a special election will be called, even as Manchin waits to name a replacement. Because what if he does wait until after Saturday?

Byrd's death changes the political equation in Washington for reasons of seniority. Having served since January 1959, Byrd had plenty of seniority, but the loss of Byrd will now likely shift the balance of power within the Senate Democratic caucus a bit. And West Virginia is likely to feel Byrd's loss acutely, as he was instrumental in getting gobs of federal money directed to his state. (He'd already surrendered his chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee this past November.)

Byrd was also known for his courtly adherence to Senate debating rules and his vigorous defense of the U.S. Constitution. A firm believer in the separation of powers, he opposed efforts to give the President line-item veto power with appropriations bills, claiming it gave the executive too much power. He was the Senate Democratic leader from 1977 to 1989, serving as minority leader from 1981 to 1987.

West Virginia hasn't voted Democratic in a presidential election since 1996 but votes Democratic more often in state and local elections.