They might pull a fast one. If Northam appoints a Lt Gov to replace Fairfax, he could then resign having effectively appointed his own replacement. And the bidding starts at...
I'm not from VA, so I don't know the legalities there or if the above is really possible or politically feasible. I do know the Dems will do anything to keep a Republican out of the Gov's Mansion.
Hmmm. Hadn’t thought that. Sounds like a McAuliffe idea, to me.
“. If Northam appoints a Lt Gov to replace Fairfax, he could then resign having effectively appointed his own replacement.”
Yes.
The ‘President Pro Tem’ (a Republican) would serve temporarily as Lt Gov until the appointment. But that wouldn’t matter.
In 1971, I believe it was, VA had a special election for lieutenant governor, won by liberal Democrat whose name I can’t recall. Liberal pollster Larry Sabato used to be on the staff of this Democrat. His name may have been Henry Howell.
Remember when when Nixon’s VP Agnew resigned, Ford was named VP and became President when Nixon resigned.