[af_vet_rr]

I hope he recovers - still, while trying not to be ghoulish and tacky, what party is the governor of SD (who would appoint his replacement)?

As pointed out, he's a Republican. That said, if Johnson is unable to recover (let's hope he does), and he appointed a Republican, you could pretty much kiss the GOP goodbye in South Dakota in the future.

Chances are he would appoint a conservative Democrat - the Governor is a professional politician, and wouldn't ruin his career over this.

Plus, the position would be up for grabs either (depending on which talking head you listen to) within a special election in 90 days, or in the next General Election - 2008. Either election would have the dems fully mobilized if a Republican was appointed.

[Political Junkie Too]

Plus, the position would be up for grabs either (depending on which talking head you listen to) within a special election in 90 days, or in the next General Election - 2008. Either election would have the dems fully mobilized if a Republican was appointed.

I'm leaning towards the interpretation that Senate special elections are at the next general election in 2008.

This is about two potential Supreme Court nominations between now and 2008, if rumors are true that one justice has a grave illness. We can't wait until 2008.

-PJ

[ilovew]

I don't see SD ever, ever going Dem. It's a very red state. And governors always make appointments from their own party.

[NapkinUser]

"Chances are he would appoint a conservative Democrat - the Governor is a professional politician, and wouldn't ruin his career over this."

Tell that to ex. king rat Roy Barnes (D-GA), who appointed a democrat to replace republican Paul Coverdell after his death in 2000 or 2001.

[DarthVader]

"Chances are he would appoint a conservative Democrat - the Governor is a professional politician, and wouldn't ruin his career over this."

I doubt it seriously.

[LdSentinal]

South Dakota is a very Republican state.

[wireman]

Chances are he would appoint a conservative Democrat

What are you smoking?

[Ready4Freddy]

Some talking heads shouldn't talk, huh? There are no special elections for Senate vacancies. The vacancy is filled via appointment in the manner decided upon by the state, and is for the remainder of the term.

Johnson's replacement, if it comes to that, would be up for reelection in 2008, but only because that's when Johnson's current term ends.

Plus, the position would be up for grabs either (depending on which talking head you listen to) within a special election in 90 days, or in the next General Election - 2008.