Replies

PS. It's unclear what exactly you mean about a vote for Foley being a vote for Jeb Bush. I'm sure you know perfectly well that Jeb cannot appoint a replacement. Do you mean to say that a vote for Foley would be a vote for a special election? It would, if Foley actually refused to take his seat. I'm sure it'll be pointed out that if Foley wins his current resignation is moot.

But, we are getting ahead of ourselves I'm thinking. Are we sure to begin with that Foley's name remains on the ballot?

Jeb phoned me, and said he is moving to Jupiter Island to run for this seat. Foley's name will remain on the ballot. If Foley "wins," then Jeb will be sworn in next January. See how easy that was?

Florida Elections Law:

(4)(a) In the event that death, resignation, withdrawal, removal, or any other cause or event should cause a party to have a vacancy in nomination which leaves no candidate for an office from such party, the Department of State shall notify the chair of the appropriate state, district, or county political party executive committee of such party; and, within 5 days, the chair shall call a meeting of his or her executive committee to consider designation of a nominee to fill the vacancy. The name of any person so designated shall be submitted to the Department of State within 7 days after notice to the chair in order that the person designated may have his or her name on the ballot of the ensuing general election. If the name of the new nominee is submitted after the certification of results of the preceding primary election, however, the ballots shall not be changed and the former party nominee's name will appear on the ballot. Any ballots cast for the former party nominee will be counted for the person designated by the political party to replace the former party nominee.

Florida Election Law