Is it Wyoming state law that the dem gov has to choose a Republican?

[WI_DEM]

to replace Senator Craig Thomas. I understand that the Wyoming GOP will submit three names to the Dem Governor as replacements and he can choose one of those. I know in other states a Governor can choose somebody of his own choice regardless of party.

Not that the way it is being done in Wyoming is bad since in '06 the GOP did win the election for Senator.

[SteppingRazor]

1. It's up to the state to decide how they find a replacement for a senator...

who dies or is removed in the middle of a term (that much is in the Constitution).

In most states, the governor simply chooses a replacement. A few states have more-esoteric rules, though, and Wyoming is one of them. The replacement must be from the same political party as the outgoing senator, and the process for choosing is by the state political party in question coming up with a list of three candidates within 15 days, then submitting that list to the gov., who then has five days to choose between the three. The new senator holds office until the next available election (in this case, 2008).

[WI_DEM]

2. Thank you. That answers my question.

[Scribe]

4. What happens if the Governor ignores the 5 day time limit?

[SteppingRazor]

5. The five-day limit is part of the law. To disobey it would be to disobey the law.

I'm not sure on these details — we're getting pretty deep into Wyoming election law, hardly my area of expertise to begin with — but knowing just the little bit I know, I'd imagine the governor could be prosecuted for malfeasance without a very good reason for not picking a senator within the alotted time.

[fishwax]

3. yes, it is state law

I believe that Utah has a similar law as well.

[WI_DEM]

6. Any ideas what names may be on that list?

[Bluebear]

7. "Three finalists", it's like some bizarre beauty pageant. nt