So we have a new governor. Pedro Pierluisi was sworn in late Friday after Rossello officially resigned. Of course, it was not without controversy. Rossello nominated Pierluisi to be Secretary of State putting him next in line to be governor. (Puerto Rico does not have a Vice Governor so the Secretary of State, an appointed not elected office, is first in the line of succession.) Pierluisi was confirmed by the island House of Representatives, but had not yet been confirmed by the Senate. Senate leaders said they wouldn't even take up the question of confirmation until next week. (Senate leader Tomas Rivera Schatz is adamantly opposed to Pierluisi.) So here's the controversy: Pierluisi's camp said, according to their reading of the law, Pierluisi could take office as Sec. of State and then move to the Governorship with just confirmation by the House, that confirmation by the Senate was not required in advance. Others, led by Rivera Schatz, believe prior Senate conformation is required.
Apparently, the Pierluisi camp prevailed. That does not mean it's over. There may still be lawsuits.
Stay tuned.
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