Speaking of racists in that position in the line of presidential succession, Byrd is not the only DemocRAT segregationist who has been president pro tem in recent years. John Stennis of Mississippi was president pro tem 1985-6, James Eastland of Mississippi 1972-8, Allen Ellender of Louisiana 1971-2, Richard Russell of Georgia 1969-71, Walter George of Georgia 1955-6, Kenneth McKellar of Tennessee 1945-6 and 1949-52, and Carter Glass of Virginia 1941-4. (In fairness, I should point out that Strom Thurmond occupied the position for long stretches in recent years as a Republican.)