[MineralMan]

"My guess is that there are a couple of additional people in that line of succession right now -- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Homeland Security at #17 and #18, respectively."

Your guess would be incorrect.

[Alberta's Child]

That's interesting -- I thought all of the members of the President's cabinet are included in the line of succession. I'm no big fan of Tom Ridge, but if Norman Mineta is included in the line of presidential succession, then heck -- I should be, too.

[eastforker]

OK, you say a mad man could never be elected, you mentioned Deen, that is not my guess.Nor do I think GW would, but a power hungry individual who has had a taste of power might.Still the question still stands, who or what body decides when to say "go" or block it. There has to be some check and ballance

[Dont Mention the War]

Your guess would be incorrect.

He's incorrect about Tom Ridge (for now; the Secretary of Homeland Security is almost certain to be added once the proper bill is passed), but Veterans Affairs is indeed at the bottom of that list. 3 USC 19:

(d)(1) If, by reason of death, resignation, removal from office, inability, or failure to qualify, there is no President pro tempore to act as President under subsection (b) of this section, then the officer of the United States who is highest on the following list, and who is not under disability to discharge the powers and duties of the office of President shall act as President: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.