The feds cannot take over a state under any circumstances without explicit WRITTEN request from the Governor.
Alright; if the State Governer dies or is otherwise incapacitated there is someone either above or below in the chain of command.
Who the heck is it?
Can anyone find where Governor Blanco requested federal troops. I searched and searched and only found where she asked for money on Aug 28th, $130 million dollars.
It seamed like Bush sent every kind of aid he could without violating the law that requires the Governor's written request. I bet the request didn't come until Friday September 2nd.