John Mercurio writes on the speculation over who will be appointed to the Senate to succeed either John McCain or Barack Obama. For the moment, I’m concerned only with McCain’s seat, since in the case of Barack Obama, a Democrat Governor will undoubtedly appoint a Democrat to succeed a Democrat. In Arizona however, things are a little bit trickier:
A state law requires [Governor Napolitano] to replace McCain with another Republican, but unlike other states that force governors to choose from a list drawn up by the party of the departing senator, she does have some discretion. With that in mind, will she choose a “weak” Republican who would face a strong Democratic challenge in 2010? Someone like, say, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth? Or will she select a party maverick, in the spirit of McCain, who would force the GOP into a bitter and expensive primary battle two years from now? (Rep. Jeff Flake’s name comes to mind.) Or will she choose a moderate like former Rep. Jim Kolbe?
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