Actually, the full Congress votes on the replacement. This is a rarity in our government, but it applies here.
Also, the only way Pelosi gets moved up is if there is no VP and the Pres dies. Not likely.
Finally, for those conspiracy theorists out there—this allows the Repub’s the ability to have a Woman and an African American in a Constitutional position before the Dems. Go Condi.
If we could get her out of the State Department, and replace here with somebody good, and put her in the VP slot where she could have minimal damage for the final year, I would support it.