A question 'bout Byrd

[Bicoastal]

This is not to offend anybody, but just a simple question ('cuz I'm not exactly sure what the protocol is)

Robert Byrd is the oldest Democrat (as well as the oldest person) in congress. If something happens to him during his next term, health-wise, who decides how to replace him?

[AlCzervik]

1. thats a good question, i'm not sure how WV handles that.

[msongs]

2. governor of his state chooses his replacement unless the state has another

process.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

[Greeby]

3. Governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin, a Democrat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Manchin

[Ignacio Upton]

9. I think Manchin will run for his seat in 2012

Assuming Byrd can serve out the rest of this term.

[Spider Jerusalem]

4. The governor of West Virginia would appoint a replacement.

And the governor's a Democrat. The replacement Senator would serve the remainder of the term unless a special election were called.

[wakeme2008]

5. The Rules are different for the House/Senate

People have answered your Senate question, but for the House a Special Election must be called. Do not know why :shrug:

[Bicoastal]

7. Thanks

It's funny to consider that if the WV governor was a Republcan, he could ostensibly replace an ailing Byrd with anyone he chose to with no consideration for the voter's feelings....

"So sorry your 9-term Democratic Senator is stepping down...now here's Redneck T. McBushlover to take his place!"

Good thing Byrd seems perfectly healthy, so the issue is moot.

[dsc]

8. because House members were always elected

while Senators weren't. But the Senator only gets to serve until the next scheduled election.

[sarge43]

6. As for the Pro Tem spot, Ted Kennedy n/t