Edward Brooke, first elected US black senator, dies at 95

[shenmue]

Story here

From the article:

Edward Brooke, the first black senator to be popularly elected in the US, has died aged 95, Republican Party officials say.

Mr Brooke was elected to Congress in 1966 by voters in Massachusetts at a time of widespread racial unrest.

[brush]

1. That title is not quite correct

It should read "First elected US black senator since Reconstruction".

I know you didn't write it, poster, but these so called journalists who did should know to do a little research for God's sake.

[MousePlayingDaffodil]

2. I believe that the headline writer ...

... was trying to capture the concept of "popularly elected," as used in the story itself. Of course, prior to enactment of the 17th Amendment in 1913, Senators were "elected" by the legislature of their respective states.

[shenmue]

3. Okay

Thank you.

[joshcryer]

4. It's technically correct since it says "popularly elected."

Hiram Revels was chosen by state legislatures, as was the policy before the 17th Amendment.

edit: oops, looks like the first reply to you said the same thing, my bad. I tend to reply before reading replies, heh.

[brush]

6. Ahh . . . read it again, the title says "first elected black US Senator . . .

not popularly elected.

[Warpy]

5. He's the only Republican I ever voted for

and to this day, I know it wasn't a wasted vote, especially since his challenger was a tepid Democrat who made cold lamb chops look appealing.

Good rest, Senator Brooke. You have earned it.

[Recursion]

7. The Rockefeller GOP wing tried to push a Romney / Brooke ticket in '68

The world might be a much different place if they had pulled that off...

[ChazII]

8. May he rest in peace and

condolences to his friends and family.