--It would show a great deal of bipartisanship if he would appoint a democrat and not tip the balance of power as a result of a horrible tragedy.--
The (D) Gov. of Idaho could later reciprocate and appoint a (R) senator, if Sen. Thomas's illness gets worse.
Sen. Thomas is from the State of Wyoming, not Idaho.
BTW-The Gov. of WY in a Democrat.
Yeah, that would take a big man... it would be a great example to those in Washington that the country is ready for the end of partisan bickering, and that they want to see Congress work together and get somethin done.
(Ok, ok, it's sarcasm.)
Just having a public discussion about all this could snap americans out of the sensation that the democrats just swept the republicans out of power in an enormous wave. There was a 2-3% shift in seats. For all the glee and kumbaya'ing going on you'd think that conservatives had no power left at all in washington. Funny thing is, when the pubs took over by a few seats all they could say is "THE COUNTRY IS DEEEEPLY DIVIDED". Sigh.
Uhh, the Governor of Idaho is currently Jim Risch, Republican, and in a few weeks, it'll be Butch Otter, Republican.
Lots of Ghoulish speculation going on here.
First, if Sen Thomas's office becomes vacant, the Wyoming Republican Party would (by state law) pick his replacement.
Second, it appears that SD requires a special election. Democrat Stephanie Herseth would most likely win this special election and hold the seat for the foreseeable future.
It's temporary anyway, they would schedule a special election -- that's how Talent got in but had to run again 4 years later and lost.