With the media reeling from the death of Sen. Kennedy, an underreported story is the sleazy machinations of the Massachusetts Democratic Party to ensure another Democrat replaces Kennedy. The Democrats aim to milk Kennedy’s passing in every way. They are already portraying socialized medicine as the fitting tribute to the late millionaire, but the more disturbing prospect is their shameless manipulation of the law regarding his successor. The Republicans need to get in the mud on this one and stake out their own strategic ground.

When Sen. Kerry ran for President in 2004, Sen. Kennedy feared that should Kerry win, Gov. Romney would appoint a Republican replacement. In a purely partisan move directed by Sen. Kennedy, the Democrat MA legislature forced through a new law to prevent Romney from appointing a replacement Senator. Of course Kerry lost, but the statement was made that the MA Governor should not enjoy this customary privilege.

Fast forward to 2009, and Sen. Kennedy has terminal cancer. Now that a Democrat holds the Governor’s office, the ailing Kennedy demanded on his death bed that the law be repealed to ensure a Democrat Senator for MA. Critically, the flip-flop would keep Sen. Reid’s supermajority essential to pass government healthcare. The move is unjustifiable and among the lowest hack political tactics ever. Of course the mainstream media is burying the story. This tactic, which besmirches the Kennedy legacy, is getting a free ride.

Of course dirty politics is a universal practice in Washington, and anyone who plays clean is probably out of office. How can the Republicans answer the Democrat tactics and still take a slightly higher road? Mitt Romney should announce his candidacy for the open seat on Monday.

Kennedy will be buried on Saturday, and the news cycle of his death will begin trailing off on Monday. Expect Democrat politicians to begin calling for an interim appointment early next week, while sympathy for Kennedy and his legacy is at its peak. Even though it may seem unsympathetic, Romney should announce his candidacy timed to steal the Democrats’ thunder.

Until it is changed, the law requires a special election for Kennedy’s seat, and Romney is within reason and right to announce his candidacy. The suddenness of the move will attract national attention, making any quiet repeal of the special election law impossible. Instead of an abstract political maneuver, the Democrats will be seen as torpedoing a former Governor’s legitimate candidacy. Instead of promoting government health care, Democrats would be denying the people their choice. By announcing on Monday, Romney will be executing a master stroke of political jujitsu – turning his opponent’s strengths into weaknesses.

At a minimum, Romney’s move would deny Reid a supermajority for an additional five months, but Romney could actually win. He was a reasonably popular Governor who, unlike today’s Republicans, did promote a health care plan. While MA’s health care plan is flawed, Romney clearly brings a credible voice to the debate, something the Republicans desperately need.

Retake the health care debate momentum. Expose the Democratic Party cynicism and avarice. Deny Reid his supermajority. Play Washington politics to win. Mr. Romney, announce your candidacy for the Senate on Monday.