[Coop]

It is hard to compare Torricelli and Delay because one was a Senator, and one was a Representative.

That's irrelevant. Both were elected officials.

[Prodn2000]

Well, I disagree. It is very, very relevant. The House of Representatives is composed of 435 individuals whose sole purpose is to provide "the people" with a voice in our government. In fact, each Rep. is supposed to represent the same amount of people. When there is a vacancy in the House, it can only be filled by an election in that district. Article I of the Constitution tells us how Reps are elected.

The Senate, however, represents the states and the states' governments. When there is a vacancy in the Senate, the governor of the state may appoint a replacement until the next 2-year election cycle. The 17th amendment tells us how Senators are elected.