[Neenah]

I have been thinking the very same thing (Hillary) even before you posted this ! Although, this story would have to be HUGH before it would get ANY air time at all ! If it were Bush, it would have been out already.

Having said that. I have a question...

I have wondered what would happen to ANY candidate running for the presidency, if they died, were killed, scandal stopped them, terminal illness...etc Before the election has taken place ? What does the Constitution say about this ? Is there another run by someone else? Does the runner-up take the helm ? Anyone know ?

[doug from upland]

They clearly would have the right to pick another candidate, but I don't know what the Constitution says about it.

[ThePythonicCow]

What does the Constitution say about this

I doubt much. This is a state by state affair.

The major party so afflicted would ask the voters of each state to vote for the Electoral College delegates who were intended for the departed candidate, with a commitment, publically accepted by these delegates, to vote for the chosen Fill-In instead.

That's part of the reason we have an Electoral College. The delegates to it can accomodate such emergencies.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Electors decide who will be president. There is nothing in the US Constitution which binds them to vote a certain way even though they are elected on the promise they will vote for the candidate whose slate they compose.

So all of Kerry's electors could decide to vote for The Witch and viola she is president. Parties are not recognized within the Constition nor do the votes of individuals mean anything when all is said and done.

There have been occasions when an elector has exercised his TOTAL FREEDOM in this regard and voted for another candidate than the one pledged to.