[AntiGuv]

What is the procedure, officially if he quits to bring the next Dem up to bat.

If he quits before the convention, then the procedure is simply to have an open convention where the delegates vote until someone gets a majority for nomination.

I have no idea what happens if he quits after the convention, especially if its after the state deadlines to appear on the ballot. Hmm.. I'm gonna try to figure that one out.

Can Hillary get in? Who would officially step up?

Yep. Anyone eligible to the Presidency can be nominated if Kerry quits. All they need is a majority of votes from the delegates.

[oceanperch]

Holy Mackerel! Please tell me I am having a tin foil moment.

[Sabertooth]

I have no idea what happens if he quits after the convention, especially if its after the state deadlines to appear on the ballot. Hmm.. I'm gonna try to figure that one out.

In 1972, Senator Thomas Eagleton had to step down as George McGovern's VP candidate after the Democrat convention. McGovern picked Sargent Shriver as his Veep for the ticket several weeks later, and the Dem delegates approved him almost unanimously. There was no second convention, to my recollection, though I'm not sure how the delegates were polled.