[VRWC_minion]

I think the key will be the following language in the law enever a vacancy shall occur by reason of any cause other than the expiration of the term. It will be argued that the vacancy is due to the expiration of the term. Otherwise a senator could withdraw on the last day of election because the end of the term and be reappointed on the next day and serve for 8 years instead of 6. This interpretation won't fly. Its only valid when the upcoming general election is not already for the end of the term. The US senator terms are designed to rotate and this interpretation would contradict that.

[William McKinley]

Right.

They can try to take the other read. In so doing, they would really fire up our side for this coming election, nationwide.

And the SCOTUS would likely strike down their efforts, for the reason you stated.

[Wphile]

Good point. Hope you are right. I don't trust the Dems, however and remember, Clinton has stacked the courts as well.