Senator Craig Thomas, R-WY, died earlier tonight.
For those deplorable calculators like myself who know that Wyoming governor Dave Freudenthal is a Democrat, let’s not get ahead of ourselves: the seat won’t be changing hands.
(i) If a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator or in any state office other than the office of justice of the supreme court and the office of district court judge, the governor shall immediately notify in writing the chairman of the state central committee of the political party which the last incumbent represented at the time of his election under W.S. 22-6-120(a)(vii), or at the time of his appointment if not elected to office. The chairman shall call a meeting of the state central committee to be held not later than fifteen (15) days after he receives notice of the vacancy. At the meeting the state central committee shall select and transmit to the governor the names of three (3) persons qualified to fill the vacancy. Within five (5) days after receiving these three (3) names, the governor shall fill the vacancy by temporary appointment of one (1) of the three (3) to hold the office. If the incumbent who has vacated office did not represent a political party at the time of his election, or at the time of his appointment if not elected to office, the governor shall notify in writing the chairman of all state central committees of parties registered with the secretary of state. The state central committees shall submit to the governor, within fifteen (15) days after notice of the vacancy, the name of one (1) person qualified to fill the vacancy. The governor shall also cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the state notice of the vacancy in office. Qualified persons who do not belong to a party may, within fifteen (15) days after publication of the vacancy in office, submit a petition signed by one hundred (100) registered voters, seeking consideration for appointment to the office. Within five (5) days after receiving the names of qualified persons, the governor shall fill the vacancy by temporary appointment to the office, from the names submitted or from those petitioning for appointment;
Personal memory: Senator Thomas was one of those really approachable people who always smiled when he met young folks like myself on the Hill. I remember talking with him about a 5K or something that he was participating in that week. That guy loved to run.
so the Wyoming Republican Party gives the Governor 3 choices?
how ’bout:
Lynne Cheney, Lynne Cheney, or Lynne Cheney?
I give Senator Thomas’ family my condolences. He was a good man, and I hope he rests in peace after such a terrible disease. Thank you, Sen. Thomas, for your service.
On the vacanacy front, I understand that Republicans will select 3 candidates, and the Governor will appoint one. But does this new Senator fill the rest of the term (til 2012), or something else?
zood, I believe that the replacement will serve until the general elections of 2008. At that point, Wyoming will elect a successor to serve until the end of Sen. Thomas’ term in 2012. The elected successor will take office immediately following the election rather than waiting until 2009 to begin.
Senator Thomas will be sorely missed. Having many years in WY and MT Lynne Cheney is a perfect fit
KC buffalo
Whoever is selected will have to run for reelection in 2008.
I’d like to extend my condolences to Senator Thomas’ family as well. I hope his passing was peaceful, and I am certain that he will be missed.
As a Wyoming resident I have sent in my fair share of letters to my senators. I always received a reply and I always felt that my issues were taken seriously.
As for Lynne Cheney, no thanks. I would hate to see a political dynasty set up in Wyoming.