2007-01-23 12:33:48 · 4 answers · asked by Sammie 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
One member of the Cabinet is not permitted to attend. This is to prevent a Constitutional crisis of succession in case the Capitol Building is somehow destroyed while the President, V. P., et al, are all there. The non-attending Cabinet position is chosen at random and not announced to the public for security reasons.
2007-01-23 12:43:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're talking about the designated survivor, I believe it's Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez this year. Since 9/11, there have also been two Senators and two Representatives (one from each political party) not in attendance so they may rise to the senior ranks in their respective houses. Also, Senator Robert Byrd chooses not to attend the State of the Union, opting to watch it on television at home instead.
2007-01-23 20:46:44 · answer #2 · answered by Richardson '08 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the V.P. will be flown away to an undisclosed location, in case some modern day Guy Fowlkes decides to do something mischievous.
2007-01-23 20:43:39 · answer #3 · answered by grouch2111 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's me - I passed this year. Had other obligations, don't you know
2007-01-23 20:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋