Interim Senate positions are the assignation purview of the State Governor (cf: Blagojevich).
To use that senate office (equal to a vote cast on behalf of the state) to influence and direct that Governor’s decision amounts to “extortion of office” (abuse of authority). That applies whether for political advantage, personal gain or personal preference. The governor is directed to make such assignation according to the will of the people (actually, before the 17th Amendment, the will of the State house) and not the desires of the office holder.
If NoName pressures the Governor to do such (e.g., threatening a specific yeah/nay vote), he and the governor can be tried for the same activity Blago participated in; using federal office for political gain. C.McCain could be tried as an accessory if she is named by the Gov. according to NoName’s threat.
CF: Blago’s indictment and finding of guilt.
FASCINATING. Many thank yous for that explanation.