I know that in the 2000 elections, Mel Carnahan was elected to the Senate posthumously. I read an article that said that was the first time someone had been elected posthumously for the Senate but it also said that three times representatives had been elected posthumously to the House of Representatives.
Who were those three representatives? I can't find who they were.
Additionally, in the Missouri Senate race--Carnahan's wife filled the seat. Who filled the seats for those House candidates who were elected after they died?
2007-10-29 20:01:06 · 4 answers · asked by the_perpetual_student 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
I can't answer the first part of the question.
As to the second part, there is no authority to appoint someone to fill a vacancy in a house seat. When a house seat is vacant, it stays vacant until a special election is called to elect a replacement.
ADDITIONAL INFO
The U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 2, Clause 4 governs vacancies in the House of Representatives. It specifically provides that when a vacancy occurs the "Executive Authority (of the state in which the vacancy occurs) shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies." It is not unusual for the spouse or child of the deceased Representative to be put forward as a candidate in the election but they get the seat through election not appointment.
As to the Senate, when the 17th Amendment was adopted transferring the election of Senators from State Legislators to direct elections, the States were given two options. The first option is to proceed to a special election to fill the vacancy. The second (and the option used in most states) is to allow the Executive of the state to appoint a temporary Senator until a special election is held. In some states, this special election is held at the next general election and in others it is held as soon as possible.
2007-10-29 20:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Tmess2 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know the names, but it has happened in the House and in state and local elections as well. If the death occurs after the nomination, it is usually too late to change and their name will appear on the ballot. As when a congressman dies during his term, the Governor of the state will appoint someone to finish out their term. If the spouse or a qualified child wants the job, they are usually appointed. Remember that Sonny Bono's wife took over his office when he died. Otherwise, the Governor will appoint someone else.
2007-10-30 03:10:12 · answer #2 · answered by A Plague on your houses 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is a fun tale about the time when Georgia had 3 Governors at once, due to the death of Eugene Talmage, who died before he could take office. This is not exactly what you asked about, but it is a knee-slapping piece of history.
http://facstaff.colstate.edu/buchanan_scott
2007-10-30 08:29:09 · answer #3 · answered by John H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For all intents and purposes Ronnie Reagan.
2007-10-30 03:33:38 · answer #4 · answered by emiliosailez 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋