Originally Posted by Skinny
Yup. Our government has turned into a damn clown show.

Why that statement?

Has been very common for year for a family member to fill a short term left for a senator or rep who dies duirng their term. Today, U.S. Senate vacancies are governed by the 17th Amendment. In 46 states, the governor is granted the power to appoint a temporary replacement senator until a special election can be held, while four states (Kentucky, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin) require the seat to be filled strictly by a special election. It was once common historically—often referred to as "widow's succession" where wives or other family members were appointed as placeholders after the senator died.