I don't think it would take alot of effort to find some West Virgina resident who is known by the public and can talk down the Byrd. George Brett comes to mind. He hails from the state and is a legend to most folks. And he is a decent public speaker.
If Byrd keels over right before the election and he wins anyways, do they hold a special election to replace him?
Why not Randy Moss? or Soupy Sales? I think Don Knotts died - he would have been the obvious successor to the throne.