by Joseph Curl

Another liberal newspaper trying to get on the “populist” band wagon??

Sen.-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts on Wednesday demanded to be seated immediately, saying that while he was set to be sworn in Feb. 11, there are a number of votes scheduled prior to that date — votes that, once he is seated, Republicans can defeat.

Democrats, seeking to avoid a prolonged battle over seating a duly elected senator, quickly assented.

In a letter from Mr. Brown’s attorney to Gov. Deval Patrick and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin — both Democrats — Mr. Brown argued that the results of the special election in Massachusetts on Jan. 19 are not in doubt. While Senator-elect Brown had tentatively planned to be sworn into office February 11, he has been advised that there are a number of votes scheduled prior to that date, For that reason, he wants certification to occur immediately, wrote his attorney, Daniel B. Winslow. As he is the duly elected United States Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he is entitled to be seated now.

The lawyer asked that the results of the Jan. 19 special election be certified without delay and no later than 11 a.m. Thursday, in time to allow Senator-elect Brown to be administered the oath of office by the Vice President tomorrow afternoon. Hours before Mr. Brown’s demand, Mr. Galvin delivered official copies of the election results to the Governor’s Council. Mr. Patrick’s staff announced that the governor would sign Mr. Brown’s election certificate in the council’s presence — as is required by law — during a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

This will ensure that Sen.-elect Brown’s request to receive the final paperwork by 11 a.m. tomorrow is fulfilled, Patrick spokesman Kyle Sullivan said in a statement.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, also was amenable to the demand.