SENATE BILL: Trial, Not Turnout Amendment (Sent to the Regions)

[Barnes]

In principle, I don't have a real problem with the compromise.  My preferred system would be to give the Senate full impeachment powers, with the addition of a recall mechanism in the Constitution, but for the sake of consensus, I'll hold off on that.

[Barnes]

On the other hand, I am still interested in the possibility of recall elections.  How does this sound, Oakvale?

Amendment:

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[Barnes]

In principle, I don't have a real problem with the compromise.  My preferred system would be to give the Senate full impeachment powers, with the addition of a recall mechanism in the Constitution, but for the sake of consensus, I'll hold off on that.

It's merely an idea of mine - full impeachment powers won't pass through the Senate, so I will not attempt to introduce them.

Oh don't worry, I can handle Barnes.

You so sure? Just when you think you "have" him, he'll vanish right before your eyes and then pop up in place where and when you least expect it. You have to be fast to take him down.

Oh dear, I've caused some kind of controversy already!

[Barnes]

I like the current system where we can expel senators on our own.

This would not remove that ability; nor would it create recall elections even. It would simply give us, or a future Senate, the ability to do so.

[Barnes]

Aye

*Sigh* I suppose I understand some of the Senate's qualms, but it would be nice for those to actually be stated before the vote on an amendment, instead of just waiting to vote it down with no pretense of debate.

[Barnes]

(Sorry I couldn't get in here earlier.)

Barnes, as you asked, here's my explanation: Generally speaking, I oppose recall elections, but if we implemented them here they would be especially unfair to our At-Large Senators. A committed majority could deny every other group representation.

I'm also uneasy about inserting language into an amendment that, strictly speaking, doesn't relate to its primary subject: impeachment proceedings. And I'm particularly wary of making major changes to this amendment after we've spent so much time building our current compromise.

Recall elections aren't a particular favorite of my either as it goes; I just believe that in an election game, the more elections the merrier...usually.  I would not wish to block the consensus on this amendment, and the recall idea is not one of extremely pressing importance, but perhaps we'll return to this little conundrum in the future.

[Barnes]

Aye.