Byrd Remains President Pro Tempore

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Posted: 11:31 AM Nov 19, 2008
Last Updated: 11:31 AM Nov 19, 2008
Reporter: Scott Saxton
Email Address: scott.saxton@wsaz.com

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WASHINGTON, DC (WSAZ) -- United States Senator Robert Byrd, (D-WV), will remain the President Pro Tempore in the next Congress.

Byrd recently announced he will step aside as chairman of the Senate Appropriations committee in January.

As President Pro Tempore, Byrd will be third in line of succession to the presidency.

Tuesday, President-elect Barack Obama called Senator Byrd "one of the greatest Senators of all time" in a phone conversation.

Byrd told Obama that he should call on him anytime he needs any help.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Third in line? OMG that is scary! I bet during his discussion with Obama he fell asleep like he did on the senate floor.

Posted by: Janette on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Just an earthly icon now. Not some kind of a God. A short time here compaired to eternity.

Posted by: Andrea on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:32 PM
I'm telling you people, it's a whole "Weekend at Bernie's" thing going on here, the man's been dead for years. Maybe it was his toothloss, or the pain of Huntington being the "fattest" city in the nation.

Posted by: Doug on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:40 PM
In line that's not in power now. Bubbie Byrd can't stand in line long, he can't hardly stand up! It is sad to see the old gizer go this way.

Posted by: Patrick on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:33 PM
How is Byrd being 3rd in line scarier than Pelosi being 2nd in line?

Posted by: Voter on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Byrd being 3rd in line doesn't scare me nearly as bad as 2nd (Pelosi). I shudder to think of that.

Posted by: booger on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Would you rather not have those roads, bridges, and buildings at all? Byrds name on them or not, I'll take 'em. WV should take all the help it can get. Pork spending helps WV. I say slaughter those piggies! It means more meat for WV to chew on. How can any true WV'ian not want that? Who else will help us?

Posted by: AJ on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Byrd has been President Pro Tempore for quite a while, so don't start complaining about it now. He has done a lot for this state, so be thankful.

Posted by: Doug on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:23 PM
The final chapter, Byrd the magnificent to a figurehead! Carved in stone the maharajah is gone, thanks rockie, nickie and joe. We couldn't have done it without you, demo's and umwa!

Posted by: Phyllis on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:17 PM
The CEOs of the big three auto makers should have to bail out their own companies. They have profited greatly during their tenure as CEOs and they should have to give back to help their companies and not rely on taxpayers' money when they should have to take good years with bad years.

Posted by: Tim on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I wonder if anybody has a problem with the age of this guy that is third in line to lead the country? Given all of the health problems and his age I cannot believe that nothing is being said especially with all that was said about John McCain's age

Posted by: Walter on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
There may have been a time when Senator Byrd did some good things, but let's face it, he has continued to buy his way into office with our tax dollars. His "pork" spending that has put his name on major roadways, bridges, and other projects has essentially been a bribe to get West Virginia to continue to support him. And at our expense!!!!! It should scare us that he is 3rd in line for the Presidency in time of emergency.

Posted by: Larry on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM
3rd in command? Wow. Senator Byrd did great things for WV but I hope nothing happens to the first two in command. That would be quite scary for Byrd at his age to be calling the shots.

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