Washington (CNN) – Carte Goodwin was sworn in Tuesday as the interim replacement for the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, giving Senate Democrats a key vote for issues such as the extension of unemployment benefits.
A Republican filibuster had prevented Democrats from ending debate on the jobless benefits measure, but with Goodwin's vote and support from two Republicans, Democrats overcame the GOP maneuver in a vote Tuesday afternoon.
Goodwin arrived for work in Washington a day after the West Virginia state legislature approved a plan to hold a special election in November to fill Byrd's old seat.
Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin signed the measure after a compromise worked out by state lawmakers won final approval.
The primary election will be August 28 and the vote for Byrd's successor will take place as part of the congressional mid-term election November 2, Manchin said.
Last week, Manchin appointed former aide Goodwin as the interim replacement for Byrd until the special election.
On Tuesday, Manchin announced he will run for the Senate seat being held temporarily by Goodwin.
From CNN Politics
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God bless West Virginia.
I am glad that Senator's Byrd seat is replaced now let's get the vote to extend unemployment.
At least the pork abuse is gone with Byrd.
WELCOME – we need more common sense Democrats who will work for the People. Republicans have done nothing but try to protect abusive large corporations, kill job creation, kill economic recovery, and kill all help for the unemployed. They hate the American worker and have betrayed the PEOPLE over and over and over.
Democrats have delivered for US and we need to make sure we elect ALL Democrats to Congress this November. They are the only ones who take their oath to serve seriously.
You would not need these employment benefits to keep being extended if our current administration would create jobs instead of destroying them or sending them overseas.
Wake UP People!!!! The Dems are not after creating jobs they are after you and want to control every aspect of your life. You will be working for them before it is all said and done. Is that what you want....