To throw us into a fourth expensive, stressful election in just 3 years is beyond questionable. If John Kerry is itching to do something else, let him come out and say that he will not run for re-election in 2014 when his current term expires. At least then Massachusetts democrats will have time to prepare a candidate for the Senate and also rest from recent political battles. For Kerry and the President to vacate Kerry's seat now is arrogant of them, I never imagined myself saying that about the President. Vacating the seat now is also stupid. You can bet that republicans will target that open seat with all the money and fury they can muster. Winning that seat will reinvigorate their party and again demoralize democrats with a mid-term a mere 20 months away. I can't fucking believe that the President's political people can be that fucking clueless, or that the President would go along with their suggestion. Wesley Clark has been a faithful defender of the President, his NATO and worldwide experience makes him a rather idea candidate for SOD, along with his connection to the Clintons, who, it can be said are very much responsible for the President getting a second term.